By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  

Around 34 MPs representing various opposition groups submitted a letter addressed to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene to appoint a select Committee to carry out a probe to determine the reasons for the economic crisis, identify responsible persons and to decide on steps that needs to be taken to avoid such crises in the future.  

The MPs  include Sajith Premadasa, Dullas Alahapperuma, Nalaka Godahewa, Dilan Perera, Channa Jayasumana, Patali Champika Ranawaka, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Rauff Hakeem, Rohana Bandara, Imran Maharoof, Niroshan Perera, Mujibur Rahuman, Hesha Vithanage, Gayantha Karunatilaka, T. Kalai Arasan, G. Karunakaran, Harsha de Silva, Selvam Adaikkalanathan, Ishaq Rahaman, Thushara Indunil Amarasena, Professor G. L. Peiris, S. M. Marikkar, Rohini Wijeratne, J. C.  Alawathuwala, W. H. M. Dharmasena, K. P. S. Kumarasiri, Kumara Welgama, M. S. Thoufeek, Ashok Abeysinghe, V. Radhakrishnan, Harshana Rajakaruna, Rajitha Senaratne, Lakshman Kiriella who had requested the Speaker to appoint a select committee to determine as to whether the state machinery failed to take action to minimize the effects of the economic crisis, to find out as to whether state officers are responsible for the crisis and to determine the action that has to be taken to avoid similar crises in the future.  

The MPs have wanted the select committee to possess a mandate to call up any person and to seek any relevant document pertaining to economy.  The 34 MPs have argued that there is a provision to appoint such a select committee, as Parliament has powers over finances in accordance with section 148 of the constitution.