Decision on Ranjan’s parliamentary seat within three weeks - Speaker

Speaeker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena today told Parliament that he would convey his decision on the parliamentary seat of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Ranjan Ramanayake within three weeks after studying the facts and seeking legal advice.

The Speaker made the statement after several Opposition MPs urged him to allow Mr Ramanayake to attend Parliament sittings, arguing that though the MP was recently convicted of contempt of court and sentenced to four years rigorous imprisonment, he did not automatically lose his Parliamentary seat in the process.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa earlier questioned the Speaker as to why Mr Ramanayake was not present at today's Parliamentary sessions. He pointed out that the Chairman of the Election Commission had stated that the MP would only lose his seat six months from the day he starts his prison sentence.

The Opposition Leader's claim was contested by MPs from the Government, leading to heated arguments between Government and Opposition MPs.

The Speaker however, stressed that he needed time to study the matter before giving a ruling. He noted that the current restrictions in place due to COVID-19 meant that he could not meet with legal experts immediately to discuss the issue. He added that any MP or groups of MPs could make any written submissions on the matter to him within the next two weeks and that he would be able to give a decision on the matter within three weeks.