26 May 2023 01:32 pm Views - 2877
A resolution is to be brought in to expel MP Ali Sabry Raheem from Parliament following the charges of attempting to smuggle gold.
MPs who attended the party leaders' meeting told journalists that the issue over MP Raheem was discussed at the meeting and it was decided that action has to be taken against the MP whom they believe had brought disrepute to all MPs.
“Party leaders decided that action should be taken against MP Raheem and former Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa was of the opinion that the MP can be expelled. Therefore, we decided that a resolution should be brought in to request the Speaker to take action against MP Raheem,” an MP who attended the party leaders' meeting said.
“It was decided that action should be taken against MP Raheem and that he should be expelled,” a ruling party MP said.
There is a precedent in expelling an MP over charges of corruption as former MP Anura Daniel was expelled during the time of late President J.R. Jayewardene, the MPs said. (Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)