Colombo (News 1st); Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena on Thursday (27) said Presidential Commissions of Inquiry cannot summon the Chairman or the members of the Committee On Public Enterprises or COPE without his approval.

JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake speaking in Parliament said COPE members cannot be summoned to the Presidential Commission of Inquiry with regards to COPE matters, without special approval from Parliament.

He claimed Former COPE Chairman Sunil Handunneti was summoned to the Presidential Commission of Inquiry adding the Ex-MP had addressed a letter on the matter to the Speaker.

The Speaker in response said if there is any harm caused to parliamentary privileges, the Secretary-General on behalf of the speaker would respond to the Presidential Commission of Inquiry.

Latest News

• SJB files special determination petition challenging 20A
• Ex-Minister Rajitha Senaratne at PCoI on Political Victimization
• Over 1000 Traffic Lane Law violators to be cautioned by Police
• Ex-President’s Private Secretary & 03 Auxiliary Bishops ordered to appear at PCoI
• Railway Development Projects including LRTS temporarily suspended