Speaker W.J.M.Lokubandara, in response to a
point of privilege, raised in Parliament last week, on video
tape visuals being telecast over a TV channel, said he will
inquire into how the tape was shot in Parliament without the
consent of the member concerned.
The privilege issue was raised by JVP
parliamentary group leader Wimal Weerawansa, who said that his
consent to use the tape was not given to the TV channel, he
described as pro-LTTE.
According to the Standing Orders of Parliament,
direct broadcasts or telecasts of the proceedings of Parliament
are allowed only on special days such as Budget Day or the
Speech of the President at the Opening of Parliament.
On any other day, the consent of a member or
members, is necessary to broadcast or telecast any speech or
parts of it over a Broadcasting Station or a TV Channel.
The Speaker is now expected to give his ruling
on the matter in the House and if the TV channel has violated
‘Standing Orders’ the Speaker has the prerogative of either
suspending or cancelling the media pass issued to the party
concerned. The Speaker could also order the media person or
director to make a public apology to the member.
