Police have powers to arrest an MP: Speaker
The file in connection with the attack on a JVP propaganda office and supporters in Aralaganwila allegedly by Minister Mervyn Silva and others had been referred to the Attorney General for further instructions, police said yesterday.
North-Central Province DIG K.P.P Pathirana said “there are statements of three witnesses that corroborate Minister Silva’s statement that he was at the guest house at the time of the alleged attack on the JVP office. Besides, he is a Minister and we cannot arrest a Minister like an ordinary man. We must consult the Speaker before the arrest” he said.
The Aralaganwila police had received a complaint that a boutique in Nuwaragala owned by a JVP supporter had been attacked allegedly by a gang of thugs led by Mervyn Silva on July 27.
Meanwhile, Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara said his advice was not necessary for the police to arrest a Parliamentarian.
“The Police have the power to arrest an MP for a criminal offence or on a Court order, as the Court is independent. But, there is a tradition where the Speaker is informed when an MP is arrested” Mr. Lokubandara said “The Police have the power to arrest an MP for a criminal offence or on a Court order, as the Court is independent. But, there is a tradition where the Speaker is informed when an MP is arrested” Mr. Lokubandara said
By Sandun A Jayasekera (Daily Mirror)
