The ruling party is ready to confer with the Opposition to amend standing orders to expel MPs who commit various offences and tarnish the image of Parliament, Leader of the House Susil Premajaynatha said today.

Mr. Premajayantha made this remark during a crosstalk on taking action against All Ceylon Makkal Congress MP Ali Sabri Raheem who has been charged with smuggling gold and smartphones, which came up in Parliament. MP Raheem was arrested while trying to smuggle 3.3 Kgs of gold and 74 smartphones through the VIP lounge at the Bandaranaike International Airport in May this year, the Customs said.

Mr. Premajayantha actually moved a motion to summon MP Raheem before the Privileges Committee as he had been found insulting the legislature by smuggling gold and smartphones using his diplomatic passport.  

Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella who responded to Mr. Premajayantha said provisions should be created to expel any MP who commits any offences and tarnishes the image of the legislature. 

“There are no provisions in standing orders to expel MPs whenever they commit serious offences. There were such provisions during the time of Lord Soulbury and four MPs who were found taking bribes were expelled from the House at that time. I propose that such provisions should be re-introduced.

“We are ready to confer with the Opposition and take the matter up at a future party leaders' meeting,” Mr. Premajaynatha responded.