Speaker upholds MPs right to hold opinions
In response to rumpus over Wigneswaran’s controversial remarks
COLOMBO – Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena on Thursday (27) brought an end to the spat over whether C.V. Wigneswaran’s statement that Tamil was the first indigenous language to be spoken in Sri Lankan should be expunged from the Hansard, noting that very member has the right to state his opinion in Parliament.
Abeywardene, a veteran parliamentarian said it doesn’t matter whether it is the opinion of the government or the opinion of the opposition, everyone has the right to state his opinion.
MPs offered varying opinions on the issue when Opposition MP Manusha Nanayakkara raised a point of order asking the Chair why Wigneswaran’s statement was not expunged from the Hansard, as it was against the Oath taken by parliamentarians.
However, MP Rauff Hakeem said the Parliament Privileges Act ensures the freedom of speech in Parliament is there for each member, and if there is a violation of law in the country, then the matter can be taken as a complaint to the police station, where it can be pursued by members rather than impinging on the privileges of the House.
-economynext.com