President cannot influence parliament activity

Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee appointed to probe the Easter attacks Parliamentarian Nalinda Jayatissa says it is unethical for the President to influence parliamentary activities and does not have any power or right to do so.

MP Jayatissa stressed Defence officials are accountable to the citizens pand not to the Ministers in charge of the relevant Ministries.

The MP added the activities of the Parliament Select Committee will continue without hindrance.

MP Jayastissa stressed the Parliamentary Select Committee is only accountable to Parliament and conducts all its activities with the agreement and approval of Parliament.

He said therefore if any person is ordered by the Parliamentary Select Committee appointed by Parliament, to appear as a witness, regardless of whether they are active in state service or retired, they must appear before the committee.

The MP noted the Parliamentary Select Committee could decide to reveal or conceal statements from the media depending on their content.

MP Jayatissa said the Executive cannot reach such decisions and the President does not have any right to violate the people’s supremacy in the Judiciary and Parliament.

He stressed the President must understand that Court and Parliament had vetoed his actions on the 26th of October.

The MP stated the citizens of the country had no use for the Judicial and Parliamentary system if the Public did not have the right to know of what happened after the the loss of 260 lives of taxpaying citizens.

He said therefore the activities of the Parliament Select Committee will continue.