Following the Sri Lanka Freedom Party’s (SLFP) decision to sack its parliamentarian A.H.M. Fowzie from the party membership, MP Fowzie yesterday threatened to file legal action against the SLFP, if it decides to sack him from Parliament, in order to facilitate the re-entering of former President Maithripala Sirisena to Parliament.
The Central Committee of the SLFP yesterday decided to sack MP A.H.M. Fowzie from the party membership as he did not appear at the inquiry board appointed by the party. SLFP General Secretary MP Dayasiri Jayasekara told the media that the decision of the party will shortly be informed to the Secretary General of Parliament and Chairman of the Election Commission.
However, so far no one has officially informed MP Fowzie anything about his parliamentary seat, it is reported. “If the former President wants my Parliament seat, he should have asked me directly. So I might oblige him as I have nothing to lose in the next three months. But if they try to get my Parliament seat forcefully, I will take legal action,” the 82-year-old politician said.
Reportedly, Thilanga Sumathipala and Malith Jayatillake who are both UPFA National List parliamentarians have turned down the request of former President Maithripala Sirisena to enter Parliament again using one of their seats.
MP Fowzie was one of the few SLFP MPs who crossed over to the United National Party (UNP) during the 52-day government last year, extending support to former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Later, the SLFP appointed an inquiry board aiming to take disciplinary action against MPs and local council members who crossed over.
However, Jayasekara debunked media reports on the preparation of the former President’s attempt to enter Parliament.
“He can re-enter Parliament, but the party has not decided on anything yet,” MP Jayasekara said.