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Karu wants MPs to follow code of conduct to regain public trust

Published

3 years ago

2022/05/3

Communist Party leader DEW Gunasekera, former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and SJB MP Eran Wickremaratne in conversation during a book launching ceremony, in Colomno, on Saturday.

Text and Pic by Thushara Athapaththu

Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, on Saturday, called on all party leaders as well as the current Speaker to ensure that the Code of Conduct for MPs, which was adopted by the House in 2016 is strictly followed to rebuild public trust in their elected representatives.

Speaking at a ceremony at the Sri Lanka Foundation, where the memoirs of former Secretary General of Parliament Nihal Seneviratne, titled ‘Memories of 33 years in Parliament’ was launched, Jayasuriya said that the Code of Conduct had been adopted when he was the Speaker.

“When I was the Speaker, I used to tell MPs that they must earn respect and be worthy of being addressed as ‘Honourable Members’. This can only be achieved by their own conduct and not otherwise. Unfortunately, I don’t think many of them follow that,” he said.

The deplorable behaviour of a few MPs had tarnished the image of all parliamentarians and led to the calls to oust all 225 of them, Jayasuriya said.

He said only decent men and women should be nominated to contest elections.

Jayasuriya also said he supports the ongoing protests calling for change. “I understand their sentiments; they don’t want politicians to ruin their future. We have to understand their grievances, listen to them,” he said.

MP Eran Wickramaratne, former MP D.E.W. Gunasekera, Prof Savitri Gunasekara and Rohan Pethiyagoda also spoke at the book launch.

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Two books written based on parliamentary legacy presented to PM

Published

17 mins ago

2025/03/18

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya was presented with two books namely ’Darkness at Daybreak’ by . Nandasiri Jasen Thuliyan and ’Memories of 33 Years in Parliament’ by Attorney-at-Law Nihal Senewiratne on March 15, at the Parliament premises.Both publications were written based on parliamentary recollection of events. Notably, Mr. Nihal Senewiratne, who served as the Secretary General to Parliament for 17 years, authored ’Memories of 33 Years in Parliament’ based on his extensive 33-year tenure in parliamentary service.The event was attended by the Attorney, Mrs. Dhanushki Liyanapatabendi.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

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Strengthen law enforcement processes to protect public law and order without any external influence – President

Published

42 mins ago

2025/03/18

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Disanayake instructed police chiefs of the Southern Province to carry out their duties without any influence. The President further stated that his government would facilitate this process by ensuring political authority provides the necessary assistance.

President Disanayake made these remarks during a discussion held today (18) at the Presidential Secretariat with police chiefs of the Southern Province.

The President emphasized that everyone must abide by the country’s fundamental laws and stated that enforcing these laws is the responsibility of the police department.

During the discussion, police chiefs of the Southern Province briefed the President on reports related to organized crimes and drug-related offenses. In response, President Disanayake instructed officials to take all necessary measures swiftly to combat crimes.

He also directed the officers to strengthen law enforcement processes to protect public law and order without any external influence.

Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala; Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala; Acting Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasooriya; and several Southern Province police chiefs were also present at the discussion.

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President holds discussions with Western Province Police chiefs

Published

47 mins ago

2025/03/18

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that steps will be taken to provide the necessary facilities to eliminate organized crime and drug abuse, as well as to introduce new legislation.

The President made these remarks during a discussion held today (18) at the Presidential Secretariat with the police chiefs of the Western Province.

He emphasized that maintaining the rule of law is a key responsibility of the Police Department.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake further stated that a just society cannot be established in Sri Lanka without ensuring the supremacy of the rule of law.

Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala; Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala; Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Ravi Seneviratne; Acting Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasooriya; and several Western Province police chiefs were also present at the event.