Former Parliamentary Secretary General’s statement:

MP A H M Azwer queries

UPFA National List MP A H M Azwer yesterday queried from the House as to how a Member of the Staff under the employ of Parliament could make statements to the media.

The Member refers to a page one story carried in an English daily yesterday under the headline Resolution can’t unseat an MP conveying the views of former Secretary General of Parliament Priyani Wijesekera pertaining to the motion to be presented by Government against UNP MP Dr Jayalath Jayawardena.

The Member told the Chair: The former Secretary General of Parliament who is now a paid servant of this House, is in the Committee of the Revision of Standing Orders. She has made a statement to the Daily Mirror today - December 6, 2010. I quote “Resolution can’t unseat an MP”.

Sir, it is highly unethical of a former Secretary General and also prejudicial to the Substantive Motion that is to be forwarded to you by us. Therefore, I would only kindly request you to probe into this and take appropriate action. Can a Member of the Staff of this House make statements like this to newspapers.

Chairman: According to my understanding she is not a Member of the Staff but is performing an honorary service. Anyway, I shall look into the matter.