Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana addressed the contempt of court case filed against MP Roshan Ranasinghe, asserting that legal action against an MP for remarks made within the Parliament is not admissible.
The Speaker's comments came in response to an inquiry by Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa during a parliamentary session.
According to Speaker Abeywardana, it is unequivocally established that individuals cannot initiate legal proceedings against a Member of Parliament based on comments made within the legislative body. He emphasized that the judiciary should handle contempt of court cases, allowing for a fair and appropriate verdict.
"It is clear that no one can sue an MP for comments he makes in the House," Speaker Abeywardana said. He urged for confidence in the judicial process, emphasizing the need to let the courts address the contempt of court case against MP Roshan Ranasinghe and render a judgment.
Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, citing sections 3 and 4 of the Parliamentary Privileges Act, supported the Speaker's stance, highlighting the immunity MPs enjoy for remarks made within the parliamentary setting. According to these sections, Members of Parliament cannot be subjected to legal actions or arrests based on statements made during parliamentary proceedings.
