• Moots action against police questioning 

While Parliamentary Opposition yesterday (9) raised concerns regarding Opposition Parliamentarians (MPs) being questioned over the release of 323 containers without clearance from Sri Lanka Customs, the Speaker of Parliament is yet to respond to the privilege issues raised by the MPs, The Daily Morning learns.

Last week, the Opposition MPs were summoned and questioned by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over a media briefing on the controversial release of 323 containers that were reportedly cleared without proper Customs inspection. Later in Parliament, MPs questioned this move, claiming that the summons were baseless.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara said that the Speaker of Parliament is yet to respond to what they raised in Parliament. He said the Speaker seems reluctant to treat this as a serious matter.

Claiming that Independent Opposition MP Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna was summoned and questioned by the CID over comments he had made inside Parliament, Jayasekara said such actions could seriously affect Parliamentary supremacy. However, he stated that the Speaker, who is there to defend the rights of all 225 MPs, should immediately look into the matter and take swift action.

He further noted that the Opposition is discussing possible future actions regarding the issue. "Yes, we are discussing the matter. We will definitely take action if such things continue," he added.

The Speaker and the Leader of the House were not available for comment.