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by our Parliamentary correspondent

When Parliament resumed sittings, the Speaker Anura Bandaranaike announced that he was referring a statement made by the UNP Member of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake to the Privileges Committee for inquiry.

The Speaker said that the remarks attributed to Mr. Karunanayake which were published in the ‘Daily Mirror’ of September 4 and 5 were defamatory of him and intimidatory. It was a clear attempt to threaten and intimidate the Speaker in the discharge of his functions. If unchecked, the statement could lead to unprecedented and dangerous consequences at the core of Parliamentary democracy he said.

Rising at the outset, the Leader of the House, Minister Richard Pathirana said that the Member’s statement constituted a threat to the Speaker and asked that the matter be referred to the Committee of Privileges of Parliament.

The Minister said it was well-known to both sides that when the Speaker was appointed by unanimous consent he was a member of the Bandaranaike family.

He paid a glowing tribute to the present Speaker as one who always acted impartially and strove to uphold the rights and privileges of Members. He particularly referred to his recent ruling against a Supreme Court decision as an example of the Speaker’s commitment to uphold the dignity of Parliament which won acclaim from all quarters.

Mr. Karunanayake attempted to raise a Point of Order but was overruled by the Speaker who said that member could make his representation at the Parliament Privileges Committee.

The member refused to pay heed to the Chair insisting that he be heard.

He said he had every right to say anything within the confines of his party to which the Speaker responded saying it had appeared in the “Daily Mirror”.

“I have made my ruling. There can be no debate now say what you have to say at the Privileges Committee”.

Former Speaker M.H. Mohomed and MP A.H.M. Azwer intervened to say that the appropriate thing was to first bring a motion in the House against the Member.

Leader of the House Richard Pathirana said, he would be bringing a motion after the matter was placed before the Privileges Committee.

Following is the full text of the Speaker’s statement.

The Hon. Leader of the House has raised a question of a breach of privilege regarding the alleged statements made by a Member of the House, Ravi Karunanayake as reported twice in the Daily Mirror of September 4th and September 5th, 2001.

This clearly appears to be an attempt to threaten and intimidate the Speaker in the discharge of his functions, in his capacity as the Speaker, which if unchecked could lead to unprecedented and dangerous consequences which will effect the very core of Parliamentary Democracy.

I take a very serious view of this matter and I have raised it before all the Leaders of Parties on Parliament of September 4th.

After the Committee of Selection, which will meet next Monday or Tuesday, the Committee of Privileges will be set up immediately.

This matter stands referred to the Committee of Privileges for reprot.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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