Opposition calls for Speaker’s resignation

• “We can no longer work with the Speaker and therefore we want him to resign from the post at least temporarily”   

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana   

The conflict between the Opposition and Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne had taken a serious turn with some MPs calling for his resignation.   

“We can no longer work with the Speaker and therefore we want him to resign from the post at least temporarily,” MP Dayasiri Jayasekara told Parliament.   

“The Speaker and his personal secretary should resign at least till the investigation by the Commission to investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) is completed,” he added.   

He said the Speaker is charged with abuse of property. “The Speaker is using two official residences. Only three persons are entitled to official residences as per the establishment code. These include the President, Prime Minister and the Speaker. No residence can be rented as per the establishment code,” the MP said.   

Government MP Lakmali Hemachandra who confronted the Opposition said a false campaign is being carried out against the Speaker. “The Opposition is engaged in a political game to gain momentum once again,” she said.   

“We urge the people of this country to reject these Opposition groups continuously,” she added.