Opposition parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekara has formally appealed to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), urging intervention in what he describes as a serious breach of parliamentary privilege and impartiality within the Sri Lankan legislature.
In a letter addressed to CPA President Refilwe Mtshweni‑Tsipane and Secretary General Stephen Twigg, MP Jayasekara highlighted concerns over the refusal of Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne to allow him to raise a Privilege Question in Parliament on September 10, 2026.
The matter related to an ongoing Bribery Commission (CIABOC) investigation reportedly involving the Speaker’s official functions.
Jayasekara argued that the Speaker’s decision to personally study the complaint, rather than refer it to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, violated the principle of nemo judex in causa sua — that no one should judge a case in which they are personally involved. He stressed that the refusal undermined procedural fairness and institutional impartiality.
The MP further alleged that his freedom of speech was curtailed when the Speaker stopped him from raising the issue during a parliamentary debate. He cited protections under the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act No. 21 of 1953, which guarantees Members’ rights to speak and debate freely within the House.
Jayasekara, a long‑serving legislator with nearly two decades in Parliament and a senior figure in the Samagi Jana Sandanaya (SJS) coalition, requested the CPA to:
- Take note of the matter as one concerning parliamentary democracy and Members’ rights.
- Assess whether the circumstances align with accepted principles of fairness and impartiality.
- Encourage referral of the Privilege Question to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
- Support independent review of the Speaker’s refusal to permit the question.
- Take further action within its mandate to safeguard parliamentary democracy and freedom of speech.
Jayasekara stressed that the issue strikes at the heart of parliamentary accountability, as it concerns the ability of elected Members to raise privilege matters involving the very officer presiding over the House. (Newswire)
The post Dayasiri appeals to Commonwealth Parliamentary Association over Speaker’s conduct appeared first on Newswire.