RANJITH SOYSA

 The Speaker of Sri Lankan Parliament disclosed that he still consider the former Prime Minister is the legal holder of the office confirming that he is still

a UNP member first and his party affiliations are more important than the constitutional provisions governing the office of the speaker.

As per current constitutions the duties and the powers of the Speaker are as follows

Duties and powers

The Speaker presides over the House’s debates, determining which members may speak. The Speaker is also responsible for maintaining order during debate, and may punish members who break the rules of the House. The Speaker remains strictly non-partisan, and renounces all affiliation with his or her former political party when taking office for

the duration of his term. The Speaker does not take part in debate or vote (except to break ties). Apart from duties relating to presiding over the House, the Speaker also performs administrative and procedural functions….”

The Speaker in this instance has clearly taken a political stand violating the provisions in the constitution. The Speaker has made rod for his own back