Probe into fracas in P’ment calls for stern action against two MPs

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya receives a copy of the findings of the inquiry on Tuesday’s fracas in Parliament from Deputy Speaker Thilanga Sumathipala. Deputy Chairman of Committees MP Selvam Adaikkalanathan, Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake and Serjeant-at-Arms Anil Samarasekara look on

By AshwinHemmathagama

Our Lobby Correspondent

The investigation report on Tuesday’s brawl in Parliament recommends stern action against Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs PalithaThearapperuma and UPFA MP Prasanna Ranaweera.

The report was prepared by Deputy Speaker Thilanga Sumathipala and the Deputy Chairman of Committees MP Selvam Adaikkalanathan yesterday by analysing the CCTV footage to apprehend those responsible for the brawl in the Parliament.

A severe warning for MPs of both sides who came to the centre isle of the Parliament, Party Leaders to take responsibility and ownership for the unruly behaviour of their MPs, taking disciplinary action against the MPs who charged the Chair and disobeyed directions of the Speaker, taking the highest possible disciplinary action against UNP MP PalithaThewarapperuma and UPFA MP Prasanna Ranaweera who triggered the fightbased on this initial report, taking individual action against the other MPs who disgraced Parliament, and encouraging Party Leaders and independent group leaders to take necessary action against their members were recommended in this report, which was presented to the Speaker Karu Jayasuriya yesterday at his Chamber.

According to MP Sumathipala and MP Adaikkalanathan, MPs have made it a habit to walk on to the Parliament’s centre isle during the sessions and disrupt the proceedings, which is not acceptable. 

“Illegally occupying the centre isle leads to increased tension between the MPs. All Members should always obey the Chair at all times. However, UPFA MPs Dinesh Gunawardena, Bandula Gunawardena, and PiyalNishantha de Silva charged the Chair and behaved badlyduring the session. The MPs should discuss and sort out any issues from the seats they are allocated without creating a situationwhich will lead to a fight between the MPs,” the report included in its observations.

Confirming the House receiving the committee report, the Speaker said: “I received the initial report. I will consider the findings of this report. A special meeting of Parliamentary Affairs Committee will be held on Thursday at 9.00 a.m. to discuss the way forward.”