SPEAKER’S STATEMENT HAS NO LEGAL MERIT

He regretted the statement made by the Speaker

He said it was unconstitutional and against Parliament Standing Orders and traditions for the Speaker to say he would only recognize the status quo prior to October 26, the day on which President Maithripala Sirisena appointed Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister.

The minister told the hurriedly summoned news conference that as the Speaker, Mr. Jayasuriya could not act in favour of a particular party and the Constitution clearly provided the guidelines how to resolve a constitutional issue pertaining to legislative power or parliamentary business.

He said the President prorogued Parliament until November 16 but in a second gazette he has now convened Parliament on November 14.

“It was done to give space to the new finance minister to prepare the 2019 Budget or the Vote on Account and for the parliamentary staff to make the new seating arrangements. The prorogation was gazetted on legislative and logistical matters and carried out at the discretion of the President and under no circumstances can the Speaker challenge it. He has no role to play in this exercise,” the minister said.

He expressed regret about the statement made by the Speaker and said he hoped there would not be any unpleasant incidents in the House on the 14th.

It was done to give space to the new finance minister to prepare the 2019 Budget or the Vote on Account and for the parliamentary staff to make the new seating arrangements.