Action taken against MPs based on parliamentary brawl report has hidden motive

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Several views were expressed in the political arena today (February 23) regarding the recommendations provided by the committee to investigate the brawls that took place in parliament in November last year. This committee is headed by the deputy speaker and includes MPs Chamal Rajapaksa, Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Mavei Senadiraja, Chandrasiri Gajadeera and Bimal Ratnayaka. The MPs representing the UPFA, MP Chamal Rajapaksa and MP Chandrasiri Gajadeera boycotted the committee proceedings since its inception. The report prepared by the committee states that 60 MPs had committed offences. Fifty-five of the 60 MPs represent the UPFA, 4 MPs represent the UNP while 1 MP represents the JVP. The committee recommends steps to be taken against these MPs according to standing order 77, which includes a provision to suspend the services of an MP from parliament service for a period of two to four weeks. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe noted that several MPs have been held accountable for damaging assets. He continued to say that when they read this report that they question themselves on what must have happened to these MPs adding that according to the teachings of the religions that if we gather we must disperse in peace and if not that the country will fall into pieces. Meanwhile also commenting on the matter UPFA MP Shehan Semasinghe said that there is no difference between the report and the present UNP. He went onto say that the UNP and the report is one-sided. Semasinghe said that they suspect this is a plan to suspend parliament and to obtain the approval for the proposal to form a national government. MP Semasinghe added that when the due penalties are being proposed that the speaker should also be subjected to punishment because he is responsible for leading the parliament towards controversy.

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