Speaker to decide on disciplinary action against brawling MPs

Saturday, 13 January 2018 00:24 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

CCTV footage of clash sought to ascertain those responsible

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya will decide what measures to take regarding the grave misconduct of lawmakers in Parliament last Wednesday when a massive brawl erupted in the Chambers. The Speaker is to take this decision at the next Parliament sittings scheduled to be held on 23 January.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament MP Thilanga Sumathipala told Daily FT yesterday that Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Niel Iddawela had been instructed to submit the CCTV footage of the incident to Speaker Jayasuriya.

“So far we have not received any complaints regarding the incident so we have not initiated an investigation. However, the Speaker has ordered the CCTV footage to ascertain what happened that day and what action is to be taken in this regard,”

He said that it had been decided at the Party Leaders’ meeting soon after the fracas in the chambers that “stern action would be taken against MPs involved in that shameful incident.”

“It is extremely sad and disappointing the way the MPs behaved that day. It tarnished the image of the esteemed establishment of Parliament and disciplinary action will be taken,” the Deputy Speaker said.

A violent clash broke out between UNP and Joint Opposition Parliamentarians last Wednesday, during the period Parliament sessions were suspended briefly. Three MPs were injured as a result of the melee.