MP Rahuman writes to Speaker regarding Foreign Ministry communique released in Nov 2018

UNP MP Mujibur Rahuman  has written to the the Speaker urging that an inquiry take place into a communique issued by the Foreign Ministry informing the heads of all diplomatic missions of the dissolution of Parliament in Nov 2018.

The MP claimed that the communique is in violation of Parliamentary privilege.

 On Novemeber 10, a fax was sent to all Mission Heads from the Secretary Foreign Ministry informing them of the dissolution of Parliament.  The communique  states that "the reason for the President's decision was the state of uncertainty that prevailed regarding the anticipated behaviour of the Speaker of Parliament." 

Mr Rahuman in his letter said the communique was defamatory to the Speaker and tarnished the dignity of the Office of the Speaker of Parliament and urged that an inquiry be held.

The dissolution of Parliament was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court following petitions filed by political parties and civil society groups.  On November 14, 2018, Parliament ruled that the removal of Wickremesinghe was unconstitutional. He was subsequently re-appointed as PM on December 16.