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Shritharan using CC membership to shield himself from bribery allegations: Chamara Sampath
Colombo, Oct. 23 (Daily Mirror) - Parliamentarian Chamara Sampath in a privilege issue raised serious concerns over the conduct of MP S. Shritharan, as a member of the Constitutional Council.
The MP said Shritharan, as a member of the Constitutional Council has failed to disclose bribery allegations pending against him, a grave omission that raises questions about his integrity and fitness to serve on the Constitutional Council — a body mandated to ensure transparency, independence and ethical governance.
He said Shritharan has consistently voted with the Government, in apparent quid pro quo arrangements aimed at shielding himself from accountability.
"His alignment with government interests, despite being nominated by minority opposition parties, undermines the collective trust placed in him and betrays the will of those he was appointed to represent," the MP said.
The MP said Shritharan’s conduct constitutes multiple and serious violations where he has acted contrary to Article 41A(1)(e) of the Constitution by disregarding the consensus of opposition parties; breached Article 29 of the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act by obstructing Parliament’s representative function; and violated Articles 7, 9, and 25 of the Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament by failing to act in the public interest, by engaging in actions that create conflicts of interest, and by possibly accepting inducements that compromise impartiality.
He said by concealing bribery allegations and voting with the Government while under scrutiny, Shritharan has transformed his Constitutional responsibility into personal protection, turning an institution of accountability into a shield for his own misconduct.
He also said casting votes contrary to the consensus of opposition members who nominated him, Shritharan has willfully violated the Constitution, betrayed minority opposition representation, and eroded the ethical foundation of the Constitutional Council.
His silence on the serious corruption allegations against him violates the principles of transparency, accountability, and integrity that Parliament must uphold.
"This pattern of behaviour is not merely political misconduct, it is moral corruption. It erodes public confidence, violates the dignity of Parliament, and betrays the people’s faith in the country’s democratic institutions," he said.
The Speaker said the matter will be referred to the Committee on privileges
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