Storm expected in House

Tuesday’s Parliament sittings are likely to turn stormy with the UNP decision to protest against the appointment of Dhammika Kitulgoda as the acting Secretary General (SG) of Parliament. Chief Opposition Whip Joseph Michael Perera said the appointment of Mr. Kitulgoda was unconstitutional as it was done by the President in the absence of the Constitutional Council and hence the Party will oppose it.

“This kind of precedent is being set by the President so he can continue to make illegal appointments and we will strongly protest against this,” Mr.Perera said. The JVP too said it is opposed to the manner in which Mr. Kitulgoda was appointed but did not say if it too would join the protest.

Mr.Kitulgoda was appointed as acting SG last Monday by the President after the former SG Mrs.Priyanee Wijesekera retired from the post. The Government says the appointment is legal as it is the prerogative of the President to make the appointment. An acting appointment could be made only for 14 days and thereafter it needs to be extended to be made a permanent appointment.