Showdown in Parliament over summoning MPs to CID

9 July 2025 04:28 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 15 Bookmark

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By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana

Colombo, July 9 (Daily Mirror) - Parliament went into chaos after some Members of Parliament complained that they have been summoned by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over remarks they have made on the container release drama.

The House became noisy when Deputy Speaker Rizvi Salih said the privilege issue which was to be raised by MP Dayasiri Jayasekera has been referred to the IGP by Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne.

Jayasekera said he, Mujibur Rahman, Kavinda Jayawardena and Ramanathan Archuna have been summoned by the CID.

"How can the CID question us on what we speak in Parliament," MP Jayasekera questioned.

Chief Government Whip Nalinda Jayatissa, who responded said MPs must have been summoned after they had come up with details on the goods which the containers were carrying.

"Inform the CID of what you know and there will be nothing to fear," he said.

The MPs wanted the Deputy Speaker to ensure their freedom of speech. The Deputy Speaker then said the freedom is guaranteed by standing orders.

Comments - 15

Kumara Wednesday, 09 July 2025 04:44 PM

No freedom of speech in Parliament! Then you have to review the freedom!

7 1

Yohan Wednesday, 09 July 2025 05:16 PM

Cid and bribery have become a joke with current heads in them. They should know the limits of each division. Misuse the power and both will be in hot water under a new regime.

10 6

joshua Wednesday, 09 July 2025 10:12 PM

It must be a joke for you few people. But the general public love it when the rogues are being questioned and taken in. You must be sad that all past rogues and thugs are being employed at the printing press.

1 10

Terrence K Sunday, 13 July 2025 09:08 AM

Don't talk nonsense because the public like you who are petty minded would want to see the opposition politicians in prisons. How can a demoracy operate well when the opposition legislators are not given a chance of revealing truth which took place in releasing the containers which have been earmarked on the Red list. If this continues in Parliament there will be no one who will represent the public when some hanky panky has been done by the ruling legislators. Otherwise tell me a good reason why Legislators will stick their neck because they will not gain and the ultimate losers are the public. Remember the opposition are the watchdogs to enlighten the truant acts of the legislators in power. Because you are carried away by the drama displayed by this government which is deceiving the general public who are awaiting for some sensational news and at last all these rulers will go scot free!!!!!!!

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Mina Wednesday, 09 July 2025 05:39 PM

They must be summoned ,as they talk about subjects which are under investigation . They talk of these issues as they know lot about and accused the government for hiding the facts. The people in this country will definitely agree for summoning them to CID for questioning.

1 21

Neel Ahmed Thursday, 10 July 2025 11:52 AM

Yes, I too with you. There is a privilege of the Parliament to given and point out the each and every members of the MPs but they must be mind what they are speaking. If any one know any thing about the this container release he could explain the matter in CID on behalf of the people of Srilanka.

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RanjithT Wednesday, 09 July 2025 06:55 PM

"Inform the CID of what you know and there will be nothing to fear," he said. This is typical no respect to parliament privileges and traditions shown by comrades. What a statement to make by the so called minister of health. If CID picks up from parliament sessions and then call them to give a statement and comrades defends ,it amount to dictatorship under the guise of democracy. I have always held the view that coming colour no good. At the end story is you are free to say anything as long as that's what we want.

13 10

Sambo Wednesday, 09 July 2025 07:04 PM

What did you expect to call them to a five star hotel and felicitate them. The should be behind bars by now.

3 16

Saradiel Wednesday, 09 July 2025 07:12 PM

Freedom of speech is a must. However, MPs shouldn't tell lies under the cover of parliamentary privileges. They must be responsible for what they say.

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Samy Selvarajah Wednesday, 09 July 2025 08:27 PM

Attention: M.P's. Who are you all? Elected by the people to serve the people under the Law of the country. How can you be exempt from the Law? You are the Law breakers and you must obey the laws. Do you the M.P.'s , the law breakers to be exempt because you are a M.P.',?. Get lost, all M.P's (225), as we do not need a a a PARLIAMENT containing LAW breakers of yourself. Get lost.

1 13

Aquarius Thursday, 10 July 2025 01:25 AM

Over the years most parliamentarians have used parliamentary privileges to make up stories that they dare not talk outside the parliament. Our parliament and the behaviour of MPs is still a sad spectacle. They feel the more they raise their voices, the more important they are. When are we going to see a disciplined, respectful debate or discussion on matters that are important for the people and the country?

0 4

M Fernando Thursday, 10 July 2025 02:43 AM

RanjithT. Absolutely right ! MP's and other officials should definitely NOT be subject to the laws of the country. If we expect them to be like the rest of us, the country is headed for total anarchy. As you do, I too long for the good old days where people like Keheliya could freely defraud the nation with impunity.

0 1

last chance Thursday, 10 July 2025 04:21 AM

Dayasiri is much worried and this is the best the government could do to avoid this bankrupt politicians lambasting the government without any reason and facts hiding under parliamentary privileges.

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Ram P Thursday, 10 July 2025 06:47 AM

Freedom of speech is always misused in Parliament. When they speak about A, B or C they have no way of defending or taking the offending speaker to task due to immunity. This is one aspect of it. The Parliamentarians must understand that they are not immune to the country's laws. The names mentioned are summoned for not speeches made in Parliament but outside. So if the authorities can get more information from them that about what they said, that will help the investigators to get to the bottom of the container release issue

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Rathnavali Thursday, 10 July 2025 12:37 PM

We recall how AKD hammered the Parliament accusing the then government on almost every action taken by them which made him very popular with the public. RW did not get the CID to question AKD and the other JVPers on what they said in Parliament. But this government is setting a new precedent, which will be used by others in time to come!

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