Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekera says the Speaker, as the guardian of the Members of Parliament, must take responsibility if a Parliamentarian is murdered.
Addressing the Parliament today, MP Jayasekera said the murder of underworld kingpin Ganemulla Sanjeewa was the first shooting of a person on a witness stand inside a courthouse.
Questioning why the Police and Special Task Force (STF) personnel had done nothing at the time of the incident, the MP said it raised doubts about help from within, urging the government to investigate this.
MP Dayasiri Jayasekera pointed out that this shooting incident has thrown Sri Lanka’s national security at risk.
“The government recently said it will address the issue of underworld activities. Since then, within 04 Poya days a total of 13 shootings and 12 deaths, including that of two innocent children, have been reported,” he said.
The Opposition MP said, however, that the government is still stating there were no issues regarding national security.
Highlighting the circular issued announcing the removal of security for judges, MP Jayasekera questioned how the government expects judges to issue verdicts against drug lords and organized criminals.
He also pointed out the risks faced by Parliamentarians under the current circumstances, stating that the Speaker is responsible for the lives of Members of Parliament as they do not have security or protection.
“We are not requesting for security. But we are not ready to be shot dead by other persons. The government must consider this situation seriously,” he stressed. (Newswire)