JVP accuses Speaker of stuffing family members into whatever high posts available

By Saman Indrajith

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena may be able to stay in his position by mustering a majority to defeat the no-faith motion against him, but he would never be able to get re-elected, JVP/NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake told Parliament yesterday.

The level of abuse of power for personal gain by Speaker Abeywardena was unprecedented in Parliament history, Dissanayake said, participating in the debate on the no-faith motion against the Speaker.

“Abeywardena always acted partially towards the government. When Ranil Wickremesinghe and Basil Rajapaksa took oaths as MPs, Abeywardena rose from his chair but when some other MPs took their oaths he remained in his chair.

“Abeywardena filled Parliament’s vacant posts by recruiting his kith and kin. He and his family acted as parasites of this system. His brother Wasantha Yapa Abeywardena is his Private Secretary, another brother Sarath Yapa Abeywardena is a Coordinating Secretary, brother-in-law Premananda Kumasaru is another Coordinating Secretary, another brother Indunil Yapa Abeywardena is the Media Secretary, son Chameera C Yapa Abeywardena is Public Relations Officer. In addition to these posts, one of his sons was appointed to the post of Chairman of the Lotteries Board by the Finance Minister. During his tenure whenever a Parliament delegation was to represent in foreign tours, it became a delegation representing the Yapa family.

In addition, the Speaker also held the post of Chairman of the Development Coordination Committee in his area. This post is an extension of the Executive. How could the head of legislature become an extension of the executive?

There were many more reasons for the removal of Abeywardena than what was stated in the motion of no-faith against the Speaker. Even if the government defeated the motion, people knew the truth and would defeat him at the next election, Dissanayake said.