Deputy Speaker writes to NPC Chairman to take measures regarding arrest of MP Ranawaka

Deputy Speaker J M Ananda Kumasiri has written to the National Police Commission (NPC), Chairman, urging that necessary action be taken in light of the recent arrest of MP Patali Champika Ranawaka.

The letter addressed to K. W.E. Karalliyadda stated that the proper protocol when arresting a member of Parliament was not followed. 

Further, Mr Kumarasiri said that officers of the Colombo Crimes Division had gone to the MPs house and only there after called and informed him that the arrest was going to be made.

He added on the same day an hour or so later a senior Police officer had called him and had told him over the phone that MP Ranwaka had been arrested and informed him that a written notice of his arrest would be forwarded.

Mr Kumarasiri said that a written notice informing the Speaker Karu Jayasuriya of the arrest was received only yesterday Dec 19 with a copy to him. This was after the arrest had already been made.

He said as the proper protocol to arrest an MP had not been followed he requested the Chairman to draw his attention to the matter and to look into the shortcomings.