Swearing-in of MP Premalal Jayasekera Speaker should reverse his decision: UNP

By Yohan Perera   

The Speaker should reverse his decision to allow SLPP MP Premalal Jayasekara who has been subjected to a death sentence to attend Parliament, UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said yesterday.   
Mr. Kariyawasam said in a statement that the Appeal Court had never said Jayasekera could be allowed to attend Parliament. “The Appeal Court in its verdict had said it referred to only the letter written by Prisons Commissioner, which was challenged. The Court had left the decision on allowing Jayasekera to swear-in and continue as an MP to Speaker or another recognised body,” Mr. Kariyawasam said in his statement.   

Also, he said Jayasekara cannot be allowed to function as an MP as per section 89 (c) and 91 (A) of the constitution.  Kariyawasam said a person cannot be elected and allowed to function as an MP if he is subjected to a death sentence or found guilty by the courts and subjected to a prison sentence not less than two years, or subjected to death sentence.