AKD wanted applause for a case pertaining to a traffic offence by MP on May 25: Opposition

Colombo, June 24 (Daily Mirror) - The opposition in Parliament yesterday questioned whether President Anura Kumara Dissanayake wanted people to applaud a verdict which was given against sitting MP Chaminda Wijesiri who was charged with a traffic offence.

Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna (SLPP) MP D. V. Chanaka and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Nalin Bandara Jayamaha who referred to the May speech made by President Anura Kumra Dissanayake where he told the people to get ready to applaud a verdict which was to be given on May 25 said the only verdict given by courts on that day against a politician was the case against MP Wijesiri,

“We were wondering as to what case the President referred to. We found out that the only verdict given against a politician was the case where MP Wijesiri was found guilty of a traffic offence. The case was an argument which the MP had after a road accident. However, we wonder how the President knew about this verdict,” MP Chanaka said.

“The statement made by President Dissanayake on May 1 is contempt of court,” he added.

Also, he recalled that the NPP General Secretary foretold a verdict where some of his party members were acquitted of an offence.

SLPP MP expressed his displeasure over the decision of the speaker not to allow a debate in judicial matters despite 20 members going on their feet as per the standing orders. “It was the first time in recent history that a debate was not allowed despite 20 members standing up and requesting it as per standing orders,” he also said.

MP Jayamaha questioned whether MP Wijesiri was convicted as he has become a headache for the ruling party in Parliament. “MP Wijesiri confronts the Speaker in Parliament almost every day. It may be because of this that the MP was convicted,” MP Jayamaha said.