Speaker defends decision to visit Ranawaka in remand custody

• Speaker’s Office says visit prompted due to manner in which Ranawaka was taken into custody
• Says will stand up for rights and privileges of all MPs irrespective of party 

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya yesterday defended his decision to visit MP Champika Ranawaka while he was in remand custody, saying the visit was undertaken due to concerns over the way the parliamentarian was arrested in violation of the precedent laid down.

The Speaker’s Office in statement said that its attention has been drawn to criticism of Jayasuriya for airing his views on the manner in which Ranawaka was taken into custody and for visiting the MP in prison.

“Irrespective of which party a MP belongs to, the Speaker has always stood for protecting the rights and privileges of MPs. In the past too, in instances where MPs were taken into custody violating the set precedents, the Speaker has intervened,” the statement said.

It said that the Speaker has paid special attention to Ranawaka’s case, given the way he was taken into custody which was a great injustice to an MP. It added that a there is another UNP MP who has been in remand for nearly 50 days, but the Speaker did not visit him as he was taken into  custody after informing the Speaker, as is the set precedent. “The Speaker’s intention is not to safeguard the rights and privileges of one MP but of all MPs,” the statement added.

It added that the Speaker will not be deterred by any criticism and will face any challenge as he is engaged in carrying out his duties which is upholding the parliamentary traditions and conventions.