Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna

¶ 01 Yes, under Standing Order No. 92(2)(a), Sir. Let me explain. I refer to Section 22(2) under Part II of the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. It states: “Every breach of the privileges of Parliament which is specified in the Schedule to this Act (whether in Part A or Part B thereof) shall be an offence under this Part punishable by the Supreme Court under the provisions hereinafter contained in that behalf.”

¶ 02 Further, Section 8 of Part B of the Schedule: “Prevarication or other misconduct as a witness before Parliament or in committee.”

¶ 03 Let me explain in Sinhala: If anyone misleads Parliament with a false statement, it is a punishable offence under this Act. Then my parliamentary privileges are breached. According to my privileges, I requested speaking time yesterday and tendered a letter—but it was not taken up. Secondly, something was attributed to me which I did not say—[reference to my late parents]—and our Hon. Bimal Rathnayake moved to suspend the live broadcast of my speeches for eight days. That is a breach of my Privilege. Please allow me to speak on this serious issue.