Ex-President won’t be called in but Commission would go to him to record statement

Wednesday, 22 April 2015 01:11 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

113 Opposition MPs sign petition demanding resignation of Bribery Commission Director General

MPs supporting former President Mahinda Rajapaksa including his son Namal protested yesterday near Parliament against the Bribery Commission’s recent move - Pic Shehan Gunasekera The protesting Opposition Parliamentarians ended their agitation after the Government gave an assurance that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa would not be called to the Bribery Commission to record a statement. Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe instead has assured Parliament that the Bribery Commission officials will visit the former President at his residence in Medamulana in Tangalle to record his statement. The Opposition United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MPs loyal to the former President commenced the protest on Monday after the Commission to Investigate Bribery or Corruption summoned the former President on 24 April to record a statement. The MPs continued the protest camped in overnight in Parliament. Opposition MP Bandula Gunawardena said the protest was called off because its objective had been achieved. Meanwhile, a petition signed by 113 Opposition MPs demanding the resignation of the Director General of the Bribery Commission had been handed over to the Speaker.

A Police officer shows the Court Order obtained to prevent the protest outside Parliament yesterday - Pic by Shehan Gunasekera

Protesters ignore court order

A group of people protesting outside Parliament ignored a court order issued against the protest being staged within a High Security Zone. Over 1000 people are taking part in the protest against the move to investigate former President Mahinda Rajapaksa on bribery and corruption charges. The police produced a court order against the protest but the protesters refused to leave the area. Water cannons have been placed in the area by the police.