Speaker to expunge criticisms by MPs against senior public officials who cannot defend themselves

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena yesterday informed Parliament that he would expunge statements made by MPs criticiSing senior public servants.

“Critical comments made by the MPs about public servants will be expunged from Hansard in the future as per Section 91 of the Standing Orders,” he said.

The Speaker said that he had received complaints from senior public servants that MPs have been making unfair allegations against them.

“It is unfair for MPs to criticise public servants, who have no way of responding to the allegations made against them. If the MPs need to question any public official, they can summon such officials to Parliament and do so,” he said.