The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, I am standing not for the name Chaminda Kularatne, 1004700819, but for the offices of Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General of Parliament.

¶ 02 Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa made a statement. I know he did not make that statement wholeheartedly. Many Ministers and MPs on the Government side believe what has been done is wrong. You did not even allow the officer to make a basic representation. What are the charges? As I know, only the other day was a charge sheet signed. Without even a charge sheet, without giving him the freedom to state his case, he was removed from office, creating today’s extremely disgraceful situation.

¶ 03 Also, a complaint has been lodged against you at the Bribery Commission. Remember this, Mr. Speaker. Previously, if not for the issue of surety bonds, the NPP would have removed you long ago. Do not think they will keep you indefinitely because they could not appoint three Speakers within a year. In this matter, you have acted very unfairly—telling officers, “Either do as the Speaker says or go home without even a charge sheet.” This is very serious. Parliament is the pinnacle of democracy in this country. The precedent you have set is very wrong.