Wijeyadasa f
For some parliamentarians, taking cover under privilege to wax eloquent in Parliament on any issue that comes to mind, has become all too common. No doubt there are worthy issues and the people’s representatives laudably earn public confidence. What about those who hide behind the time-honoured immunity to target individuals, even journalists, when their bloated egos are hurt? Well, the ‘victims’ have no recourse to defend themselves. In such situations, attempts could be made to make the truth appear false, a wrong appear right or simply blacken them. That could be from the same voices that talk so loftily of justice, fair play, and responsibility, not to mention patriotism.
Last Sunday (December 10), Justice, Prison Reforms and Constitutional Affairs Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe had this to say in Parliament: “Hon Speaker, as you would recall, last Monday, I brought to the attention of the House about something published in the Sunday Times. Unfortunately, a similar incident is reported today, I would like to draw the attention of the House. The Sunday Times has published a lengthy article under the headline Constitutional Crisis Continues. It says, “Justice Minister submits a new set of rules in a three-page document; after Speaker withdraws 56-page set of rules. Again, it states even the Attorney General said the proposals contravene the Constitution.
“Hon Speaker. This article, taken in whole, the writer’s intention is to underestimate the Constitutional Council as well as to give wrong information about the Constitutional Council.
“Journalist Iqbal Athas gave me a telephone call and only asked me if I had submitted proposals to the Constitutional Council. I said that proposals were submitted by me. However, he mentions here in the newspaper that the proposal given by me has been rejected by the Attorney General as it contravenes the Constitution.
“I could say with responsibility that the Attorney General has not even seen my proposals up to date. On the other hand, he mentions something that underestimates the Constitutional Council. To my knowledge, there is no crisis in the Constitutional Council. In this country,