Kalyananda Thiranagama’s book stirs parliamentary pot

Saturday, 27 May 2017 01:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The controversial book of Attorney-at-Law Kalyananda Thiranagama accusing Parliament of making unauthorised changes to legislation after its passage for the perusal of the Speaker ratcheted up the tension in Parliament yesterday.

Evaluating the seriousness of the charges made against Parliament, Deputy Speaker Thilanga Sumathipala yesterday requested UPFA Joint Opposition MP Bandula Gunawardana to hand over a copy.

Highlighting the implications, the Deputy Speaker said: “Legal recognition will be offered if the book is tabled in Parliament. Rather than tabling it is better to refer the book to the Speaker so that necessary action will be taken.”

However, Gunawaradana held that the author has clearly mentioned how certain officials got involved in changing the clauses of legislation after their passage in the House. UPFA Joint Opposition MP Dullas Alahapperuma stated that certain articles added to the 19th Amendment were not actually passed in Parliament.

In response, Minister of Higher Education and Highways and Leader of the House of Parliament Lakshman Kiriella, rejecting the charges, invited the UPFA Joint Opposition MPs to point out such articles, which were not passed in Parliament. AH