Wednesday, 18 December 2013 00:26
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By Ashwin Hemmathagama – Our Lobby Correspondent
The Speaker’s decision over the controversial private member motion moved by opposition lawmaker Wijedasa Rajapaksa on 11 December 2013, preventing the use of unfair and partial trials to remove Supreme Court Judges was presented to Parliament yesterday.
Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa clarifying his position held “the decisive power is vested upon the Parliament provided the private member bill withstands the Constitution and the Standing Orders of the House”, keeping the options open to represent the motion.
“The private member bill MP Wijedasa Rajapaksa proposed moving on 11 December 2013 can be represented in this House. However, the House will hold the decision granting the Parliament’s approval,” said Speaker Rajapaksa.
According to the Speaker, the Standing Order 47 (5) provides for submitting of a private member bill, which is a privilege enjoyed by a member and a right.
“However, having obtained the approval from the House, the respective draft has to be given for the corresponding Minister’s sanction. If the Minister is agreeable with the contents of the Bill, the Attorney General’s certification will be obtained following Article 77 (7) of the Constitution.
“Followed by the approval from Cabinet of Ministers, the respective Bill accompanied by the report given by the corresponding Minister will be presented to the Parliament. Having been read for the second time, the Bill will be presented to a Committee, to further consider it prior to receiving the approval from this House. So, the House reserves the full rights to consider the Bill and its contents,” Speaker Rajapaksa added explaining the procedure.
