"Attempt to obtain testimony from PM, part of a staged drama" - Ranjith De Zoysa

COLOMBO (News 1st): UPFA MP Ranjith Soyza commenting on the decision made by the parliamentary committee probing the 04/21 attacks to summon both the President and the Prime Minister to testify before the committee said that this committee has now become a joke. He claimed that although everyone made a big deal out of the fact that the Prime Minister went to provide testimony about the CBSL Bond Scam that the Attorney General had only asked him a few scripted questions according to the Prime Minister's wishes. He added that similar to that situation that this testimony is also part of a staged act. Also speaking on the matter, UPFA MP Dinesh Gunawardena said that former President J.R. Jayawardene after the Black July had sent a letter to the speaker who held discussions with the IGP who came under the Defence Minister. Jayawardene said that although he was in charge of defence that he continues to overlook parliamentary affairs. He further said that during the time that Jayawardene had recommended that the speaker resign and a new speaker be appointed which is why Bakeer Markar resigned and E. L. Senanayake was appointed as the speaker. Gunawardene using this is an example said that those in charge of defence should oversee all matters and take responsibility for everyone else even in this case.