In a recent turn of events, Mrs. Atma Dilukshi Jayaratne, the Divisional Secretary of Gampola Uda Province, has been found to have violated the parliamentary privileges of Mr. Anuruddha Jayaratne, the State Minister for Justice and Prisons. Following a thorough investigation, the Ethics and Privileges Committee of Parliament has recommended that a case be filed against her in the Supreme Court.
The inquiry was conducted under Section 26(1)(b) of the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act No. 21 of 1953, which addresses the offense of making defamatory statements about the conduct of a Member of Parliament. The decision to take legal action came after State Minister Anuruddha Jayaratne raised a question of privilege on February 9th regarding the activities of Mrs. Jayaratne.
The findings of the Ethics and Privileges Committee were presented to Parliament on the 6th of last month by the Leader of the House, Minister Dr. Susil Premajayantha. The report detailed the investigation and the subsequent recommendation for legal proceedings.