Siyambalapitiya: Resigned. Remained. Re-contested. Re-elected. Resigned again
One youth activist acknowledged this week, that he came to know of the existence of some of those MPs in the House only when their names were called to cast their votes during this week’s saga of electing a Deputy Speaker.
Looking at Parliamentary proceedings these days while the country is witnessing arguably the worst economic crisis since Independence, anyone can understand the people’s outcry of not just calling for the resignation of the President and the Cabinet of ministers but all 225 ‘honourable’ members of Parliament.
The Parliamentary sessions hardly contribute anything significant relating to government policy decisions, economy, ethnic harmony and the well-being of the people. Instead, they have showcased politicians hurling insults at each other and saying what crosses their minds without giving any deep thoughts to the subject at hand.
Not to mention, the whole nation carefully follows what their elected representatives are doing in Parliament these days as public agitation has turned against the politicians.
One youth activist acknowledged this week, that he came to know of the existence of some of those MPs in the House only when their names were called to cast their votes during this week’s saga of electing a Deputy Speaker.
For a day’s sitting of Parliament, millions of taxpayers’ funds are spent to cover the overhead costs and other perks enjoyed by the MPs, including subsidised lunch and tea.
On Thursday, the House voted in favour of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Parliamentarian Ranjith
Siyambalapitiya for the post of Deputy Speaker, securing 148 votes, two short of a two thirds majority, against Opposition member Imtiaz Barkeer Markar who received only 65 votes.
The irony of it is that Mr Siyambalapitiya was already Deputy Speaker. He resigned on April 3. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa then convinced him to remain in the seat and he said OK. He had to re-contest for the seat. He won and he resigned again. His second resignation letter. No wonder, the people are questioning the sanity of Parliamentarians. had some similar parts to the resignation letter he had sent earlier.
While Government and the Opposition members wash their dirty linen inside the sanctum santorum of the country’s legislature, those against them are displaying their underwear in protest outside the premises. What a performance by Asia’s second oldest Parliamentary democracy.