Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, addressing Parliament today, emphasized that all 225 Members of Parliament are entitled to raise questions of privilege — a right that cannot be challenged by any external institution or group. He reiterated that Parliament is regarded as supreme, and in such a framework, denying a member the opportunity to raise an issue concerning a breach of privilege amounts to a violation of their rights.
Premadasa asserted that when an individual is elected by the people, they embody the sovereignty of the people, and the integrity of Parliament is thereby upheld. He further noted that in the absence of the Speaker, the authority and responsibility fall to the Deputy Speaker, who must ensure the protection of the rights of all Members of Parliament.
Referring to recent developments, the Opposition Leader pointed out that MPs Mujibur Rahman, Kavinda Jayawardena, Chitral Fernando, and Archuna, among others, have been summoned in connection with the containers discussed in Parliament. He stressed that this matter requires immediate intervention to safeguard the rights of the Members involved.
Premadasa further highlighted that freedom of speech is a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution. “If that fundamental right is curtailed within Parliament itself, it raises serious concerns about the rights and freedoms of the general citizenry,” he concluded.
