Standing Order 91 (h) states that no Member of Parliament should level accusations against another member or refer to the personal affairs of another member. Citing this provision, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament today that his privileges had been violated by statements made in the House regarding him.
He said that when he presented the facts, he was accused of lying, but he had only stated the truth. Premadasa explained that it is not false to say that a mandatory recommendation from the Public Safety Committee or the Civil Security Committee is required when obtaining a police certificate.
The Opposition Leader further revealed that two letters had been sent to the Hakmana Police OIC on this matter. These letters, he said, were issued by Yasantha Ariyasena, Chairman of the Public Safety Committee of the 280 B Badabadda Grama Seva Division. Premadasa added that all these letters would be included in the Hansard, which he said would clearly show who is telling the truth.
Premadasa also stated that a similar notice was displayed on the Matara Police notice board, listing a letter from the Civil Defence Committee as one of the required documents for obtaining a police report. He noted that this particular section was removed only this morning, following the issue being raised in Parliament. He stressed that he merely pointed out the truth, and that the public is aware of the reality. He also condemned the summoning of journalists to the Criminal Investigation Department for reporting this matter.
While the Opposition Leader was delivering his remarks, he was interrupted by members of Parliament.
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