Govt. blames them for misbehaviour in Parliament
MPs of the SJB and some other Opposition parties staged a walkout in Parliament yesterday, protesting against the Speaker’s refusal to allow them to discuss the escalating Israel-Iran conflict and its potential impact on Sri Lanka.
The walkout was followed by a special meeting of Opposition leaders, held at the Parliament complex, chaired by Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa. Among those present were MPs Dilith Jayaweera, Namal Rajapaksa, and Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna.
Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilleka said that the protest was against the Speaker’s refusal to allocate time for an urgent debate on the Middle East conflict, which Opposition MPs argued poses serious risks to Lankan nationals and businesses, particularly about 10,000–20,000 Lankans currently working in Israel.
Premadasa accused Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne of silencing the Opposition, stating that he had been denied the opportunity to raise a matter of national importance. “We no longer approve of your conduct in this House,” he said, warning that continued disregard for parliamentary procedure would lead to more protests.
Premadasa emphasised the need for immediate government action to ensure the safety of Sri Lankans in the war-torn region and to mitigate economic fallout from the conflict, which, he warned, could escalate into a broader war with possible nuclear implications.
Health and Mass Media Minister and Chief Government Whip Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa assured Parliament that the government would address the issue during an adjournment debate later in the day and that a statement from the Foreign Ministry would follow.
Kurunegala District MP Dayasiri Jayasekara criticised the Speaker for suppressing Opposition voices, adding that the decision to boycott the remainder of the day’s sessions was a direct result of repeated restrictions.
Leader of the House, Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake rejected the allegations, placing blame on the Opposition for ‘unacceptable conduct within the chamber’.
ITAK Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam opted to remain in Parliament and participate in the debate, though he, too, condemned the government’s repeated efforts to curtail the Opposition’s right to speak.
By Saman Indrajith