Parliament descended into chaos yesterday as Deputy Public Security Minister Sunil Watagala dropped a bombshell, claiming that some MPs had “sold their parliamentary seats,” triggering a fiery confrontation with Opposition lawmakers.
During a debate on regulations under the Anti-Corruption Act, Watagala accused certain MPs of corruption, stating, “We have among us MPs who sold their MP posts.” The remark immediately provoked an uproar, with Badulla District SJB MP Chaminda Wijesiri demanding that Watagala reveal the name of the alleged offender.
Wijesiri, visibly angered, challenged Watagala to substantiate his claim, declaring, “I resigned from my parliamentary seat before, so I thought this was about me. Since you’re the Deputy Minister of Police, work with the Justice Minister and investigate! I give you one week to expose the MP who took money for his seat.”
Watagala, however, refused to name anyone, responding, “I didn’t mention a name. The MP has placed his head under the hat.”
The heated exchange came amid allegations of a smear campaign, targeting Leader of the House Minister Bimal Ratnayake and Chief Government Whip Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. Watagala mocked the Opposition, saying, “They can’t even keep their lies alive for 24 hours—they withdraw their own allegations within a day!”
“You have the power to investigate,” Wijesiri dared Watagala. “Prove you have a backbone by exposing the truth!”
