Party leaders approve appointment of select committee to probe former EC members

• Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella says his party opposes move

By Yohan Perera   

Party leaders yesterday approved a motion to appoint a select committee to ascertain whether privileges of MPs have been violated by the actions of former members of the Election Commission and to make suitable recommendations. 

The Parliament media unit which quoted Secretary General Kushani Rohanadeera said party leaders approved the motion when they met with Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana at the chair.   

It has also been decided to have a debate on the matter on a latter day.   

The motion was initially handed over to the Speaker by 14 members of Parliament on the pretext that the former Elections Commission members N. G . Punchihewa, S. B. Divaratne, N. M. Mohammed, K. K. P Pathirana, and P. S. M. Charles are accountable to the House as per provisions of Article 104 B (3) of the constitution and that they have exercised their duties as interim members as per Article 30 (4) of the 21st Amendment to the constitution.   
It was reported that the main opposition SJB has objected to the setting up of the committee arguing that no one can interfere with the independent committees. Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella said his party opposed the move.     

• It has also been decided to have a debate on the matter on a latter day