20 opposition MPs want action against MP Ali Sabri Raheem

• Says he has misused his parliamentary privileges

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana 

Some 20 opposition MPs have accused Member of Parliament Ali Sabri Raheem who was charged with attempting to smuggle three and a half kilograms of gold and a consignment of mobile phones, who they say has misused his parliamentary privileges.  

The letter signed by the MPs said MP Raheem has used his diplomatic passport and other privileges. “The MP has violated the code of conduct, which was approved by Parliament on March 7, 2018.  Such violation of ethics and code of conduct was approved by the MPs themselves. When an MP violates such codes of conduct it will affect MPs of both sides,” a statement issued by the 20 MPs said. 

The 20 MPs who have signed the joint statement are Sajith Premadasa, Dayasiri Jayasekera, Harshana Rajakaruna, Udaya Gammanpila, Wasantha Yapa Bandara, Weerasumana Weerasinghe, Asok Abeysinghe, K. P. S. Kumarasiri,  Imthiaz Bakeer Markar, Upul Galappatti, Ajith Mannapperuma, Thushara Indunil Amarasena, Harsha de Silva, Mayantha Dissanayake, Gayantha Karunatilleka, Hector Appuhamy, J. C. Alawathuwala, Kavinda Jayawardene, Vasudeva Nanayakkara and Chandima Weerakkody.