John Amaratunga barred from raising privilege matter

Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody yesterday refused to permit Chief Opposition Whip John Amaratunga from raising a privilege matter in Parliament, observing that the matter does not come under the privilege question category according to Standing Orders.

He said that the MP is allowed to meet the Speaker and explain the matter concerned, but it cannot be raised in the House since the content in it is challenging the Chair and not in compliance with the Standing Orders.

The Deputy Speaker made this comment when John Amaratunga rose requesting permission to make a privilege question under the Standing Orders before the commencement of the orders of the day. SM, IR and DM