Legal standing of MPs will be an issue if P’ment reconvened: SLPP

• Argues former MPs have handed over nominations to contest from different political party 

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) yesterday argued that it was impractical to reconvene Parliament as the seating of former parliamentarians would be too confusing as they have submitted nominations from different political parties to contest the upcoming General Elections.  Speaking to reporters, SLPP senior member and former parliamentarian Dilan Perera said the legality of a considerable number of former MPs including United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) would be questioned if Parliament was reconvened.

“Most of former MPs submitted their nominations from a different political party to the one they represented in the previous Parliament. Therefore if Parliament was reconvened, the legality of them being an MP will be raised,” he said.  

The former MP pointed out that when Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was appointed as the Opposition Leader in 2018, the United National Party (UNP) and Tamil National Alliance (TNA) raised concern as there was speculation that he joined SLPP and whether he should be retained in Parliament as an MP of UPFA. 

Perera noted the legal standing of those who may have changed their political parties will be the biggest concern if Parliament was reconvened, which he argued would create unnecessary issues that will not serve the best interest of the public.

“This is not the ideal time to talk about the legality of MPs that changed their political parties, but that will be raised if Parliament is reconvened. Therefore, it is best to wait till General Elections and serve the public.”

Referring to the decision to build a cricket stadium in Homagama, Perera defended the Government and said the Sri Lanka Cricket’s funds would be utilised to build the ground.

However, Perera acknowledged that in his personal, view this is not the best time to build a new cricket ground. “I think this is not the best time to build a new cricket stadium. According to my reading, if they have adequate funds they should help cricketers that are affected by the COVID-19 outbreak,” he said.