OPA urges Speaker to oppose acting SGP appointment

by Zacki Jabbar
The Organisation of Professional Associations (OPA), has requested Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara not to permit the unconstitutional appointment of an acting Secretary general of Parliament.

The 14-day term of acting Parliamentary Secretary General, Dhammika Kitulgoda, expired on April 14.

President of the OPA, Elmore Perera, in a written communication to Lokubandara said that he will be failing in his duty, by remaining silent on the unconstitutional appointment of an acting Secretary General.

Article 41 of the Consitution, he said specifically stipulates that the President can appoint a Secretary General of Parliament, only on the Constitutional Council’s recommendation.

The OPA and Congress of Religions earlier wrote to President Mahinda Rajapkasa urging him to speedily appoint the Constitutional Council, as required by law.

"Any delay in the President performing his constitutional duty could lead to impeachment proceedings,"they observed.