Parliament conducted in an illegal manner - MR

-Colombo (News 1st) - A proposal stating that the Prime Minister's secretary does not have the power to use public funds was approved by Parliament with 123 votes in favour. The leader of the House, Dinesh Gunawardena informed the general secretary of the parliament, that such a proposal cannot be brought forward. The letter states, as per clause 152 of the constitution, such a proposal can only be brought forward, following cabinet approval. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa noted that the parliament is conducted in an illegal manner and that the speaker does not respect the law. He added that due to the Speakers controversial actions, they decided not to participate in parliamentary sessions. Chief Government Whip S. B. Dissanayake also spoke to the media and noted that a matter dealt with in courts cannot be taken up for debate in Parliament according to clause 152 in the constitution. However, in reply to MP Dinesh Gunawardena's letter, the speaker stated that the prevalence of a court case will not obstruct the proposal brought forward by the United National Front. UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake stated that according to the second paragraph of section 48 of the constitution, the statement made by the speaker on the 15th of November was accepted by parliament and the parliament has complete control of government finance. He went on to state that therefore the Prime Ministers Secretary does not have the power to approve any payment from the state funds and that legal action will be taken against whoever violates this.