The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa

¶ 01 Understood; he spoke of their merits.

¶ 02 Hon. Speaker, the issue regarding the Deputy Secretary-General is a decision of the Parliament’s Staff Advisory Committee. As per parliamentary procedure, such matters are handled by that Committee, which includes not only Government members but also the Leader of the Opposition. It was the Staff Advisory Committee that decided to conduct an inquiry into the complaint, and it appointed the single-member committee to conduct the inquiry. The report of that committee was submitted to the Staff Advisory Committee, which then took the final decision regarding the Deputy Secretary-General. He was afforded an opportunity to present his case before the inquiry panel, and he will have further opportunity during formal proceedings to explain his position. Therefore, this has been conducted according to parliamentary procedure. If anyone claims injustice, there is ample opportunity to make representations. This in no way undermines parliamentary traditions or independence. Once a complaint is received, the Staff Advisory Committee takes the necessary steps. The Leader of the Opposition, or his nominee, has been continuously involved in all these decisions.