The arrest of former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka has violated due procedures upheld so far by the current Parliament regarding arrests of MPs, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said.

Issuing a statement, the Speaker added, "Such haphazard arrests by law enforcement will propagate anxiety and distress. With due respect, I look forward to the judiciary to render justice."

Before his arrest, Ranawaka said yestedray that the officials from the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) arrived at his residence without even informing the Speaker.

The Police are required to inform the Speaker before arresting a Parliamentarian to ensure that their parliamentary privileges are not violated.