Underhand move to tarnish Parliamentarians - Leader of House

Uditha Kumarasinghe, Irangika Range and Sandasen Marasinghe

KOTTE: Leader of the House Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told Parliament yesterday an underhand move is being implemented to tarnish the image of Parliamentarians.

The Minister said immediate measures should be taken to safeguard the rights of MPs who come to Parliament.

The opportunity should be provided to MPs to perform their duties with a clear mind. Minister de Silva said certain newspapers carried some news items trying to tarnish the image of Parliamentarians.

Certain newspaper reports published during the past few days had attempted to show that a Deputy Minister was connected to the fire at the house of late North Central Provincial Councillor Dr. Johnpulle.

“It has been confirmed that neither the Deputy Minister nor any other MP is connected to this incident following the evidence given by a 11 police officers. According to the evidence given by a Buddhist monk named Ven. Walahahengunawa Dhammarathana Thera, some newspapers had attempted to create a wrong opinion regarding this incident.

UNP MP Lakshman Kiriella said in the case regarding this incident being heard in courts the relevant Buddhist monk has given evidence to the magistrate.

Power Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said this Buddhist monk who has given evidence is connected to a rape case. There is evidence to prove it. Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara said this is not a place to hear cases we should act according to the Standing Orders of Parliament.