‘Open warrant on Deputy Minister will be looked into’

Sandasen Marasinghe and Irangika Range

Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody yesterday observed that the matter raised by Petroleum Industries Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena stating that his privileges were violated by the fact that open warrant was issued against him by the Attanagalla Magistrate on a day he attended Parliament will be looked into. He made this observation when Deputy Minister Gunawardena raised a privileges matter in Parliament. Deputy Minister stated that he had been summoned by the Attanagalla Magistrate to appear before him on January 22.

He said that he attended the Parliament on that day as he had to answer the questions as the Acting Petroleum Industries Minister for oral answers raised by the Members in Parliament.

He also said that he had to participate in the vote on that day as well.
The Deputy Minister further stated that he informed these matters through his lawyers before the Magistrate. He added that, however, the media had reported an open warrant was issued against him by the Attanagalla Magistrate.

He observed that his privileges have been infringed by this action by the Magistrate and requested the Deputy Speaker in Chair to investigate into his matter. Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody stated that his matter will be looked into.