Dayasiri advised to attend PSC by Speaker

Wednesday, 10 July 2019 00:27 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Ashwin Hemmathagama – Our Lobby Correspondent

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya yesterday recommended United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MP Dayasiri Jayasekara appear before the Parliament Select Committee (PSC) appointed to look into the Easter Sunday attacks.

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya

MP Dayasiri Jayasekara

According to the Speaker, avoiding the summons will be cited as a contempt of Parliament. “The Select Committee was appointed by the Parliament and was approved by Party Leaders. The first court case came up after the Select Committee commenced its work and we are unable to discontinue. According to Standing Order 91 (e), the Speaker had the choice to decide and I decided to continue the Select Committee. So, I advise you to appear in front of the Select Committee. Under the new Standing Orders, media can be allowed at the discretion of the members of the respective committee and the Chair,” he said.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was on his feet, held that he has been summoned before the Select Committee and would appear as needed.

Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella, citing a decision taken by former Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa said:

“The committee appointed against the former Chief Justice continued despite the judgment issued by the Court of Appeal. The Speaker was Chamal Rajapaksa and they removed her from office within 24 hours. As a result of the ongoing Select Committee, the petitioners will be able to prove their cases at courts from the evidence gathered here,” said Minister Kiriella, who held the 9/11 attacks too had Congress investigations that were telecasted globally.

According to UPFA lawmaker Jayasekara, he had avoided appearing before the PSC to avoid breaking Standing Orders. “The Select Committee had summoned me to appear at 4 pm on 28 July. But according to Standing Orders lawmakers should not talk about matters pertaining to ongoing court cases. I don’t think we should break the same Standing Orders passed in the House. But Speaker’s decision will help me to decide my presence at the Select Committee on Wednesday,” he said. (AH)