Threatening and abusive ex-MPs more likely to be rewarded than punished if re-elected

Wednesday, 11 March 2020 01:37 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Using abusive language and threatening gestures against the Speaker, damaging public property, sitting on the Speaker’s chair, attacking Police officers on duty, and hurling objects were some of the punishable offences that a large group of MPs, mainly from the UPFA, were found guilty of by a six-member Special Committee appointed by Speaker Karu Jayasuriya to look into matters pertaining to the incidents that took place on the floor of the House on 14, 15 and 16 November 2018.

The report said at least 55 MPs were involved in unruly behaviour during the three days and said those named in the Report had committed offences coming under the scope of Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act and were punishable under section 22 of this Act while many had also acted in violation of Standing Orders of Parliament.

The Committee said it is essential to continue the investigations conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) into these incidents and recommended that subsequently judicial proceedings should be instituted with the advice of the Attorney General.

The report was forwarded to the AG by the Speaker, but the country is still to see any action taken against them.

With the handing over of nominations for the next General Elections starting this week, it is likely that the ex-lawmakers who broke all Parliamentary traditions and engaged in the most revolting behaviour will have their names included in the nomination list once again as there has been no punitive action against them within their own parties.

In fact, it is likely they will be rewarded in a future government if re-elected, rather than punished.

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