Speaker refuses to summon Ranjan for Parliamentary sittings

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announced in Parliament today that he will not issue an order to prison authorities summoning Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Ranjan Ramanayake to Parliament until the Court of Appeal delivers its verdict on the matter pertaining to the MP's Parliamentary seat. 

The Speaker told Parliament that the Court of Appeal has ordered the Secretary General of Parliament to "maintain the status quo" in relation to the MP's seat until it delivers its verdict.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa vehemently objected to the Speaker's decision, arguing that what the court means by maintaining the status quo is that Mr Ramanayake's parliamentary seat remains and as such, the Speaker should take measures to order prison authorities to bring him to Parliament to attend sittings. He also pointed out that in the case of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Premalal Jayasekara, the Speaker acted differently and ordered the MP to be brought to Parliament. 

The Speaker maintained that Mr Jayasekara's case is different to Mr Ramanayake's and that he will announce his decision on whether the MP can attend Parliament after the Court of Appeal gives its verdict. 

Earlier the Court of Appeal ordered the Secretary General of Parliament to take no further action regarding Mr Ramanayake's Parliamentary seat until it delivers its verdict regarding his seat. 

Mr Ramanayake is currently serving a four-year sentence imposed by the Supreme Court for contempt of court.