The United National Party today charged that the administration of the Parliament is deliberately delaying action on privilege issues raised by UNP Parliamentarians. Speaking to Asian Mirror, UNP Parliamentarian Ajith P Perera said the privilege issue they raised on the clash which took place in Hambanthota has not yet been presented before the privileges committee of Parliament.”It is the duty of the administration of Parliament to take measures to bring these matters before the Privileges Committee. Then only the MPs can discuss this matter and present their recommendations to Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa.
It is quite evident that the administrative authorities are deliberately delaying action on the privilege issue raised on the Hambanthota controversy,” Perera said.
When the UNP raised the privilege issue, Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa said the matter would be treated as a priority; however, the Speaker’s instructions have not been followed on this matter, the UNP Parliamentarian said.
He said preventing UNP Parliamentarians from visiting the oil refinery in Sapugaskanda was also an infringement on Parliamentary privileges.
When asked about reasons behind the delays on the part of Parliamentary authorities, the UNP Parliamentarian said the Parliament has now come under the control of the ‘Executive’.
“They can’t execute their will and work independently. Decisions are being made at the Temple Trees and authorities are only acting like puppets,” he added.