A large number of SJB MPs were missing when President Gotabaya Rajapaksa addressed Parliament yesterday. 

Among them were Harin Fernando, Manusha Nanayakkara, Harsha de Silva, P. Digambaram, Thalatha Athukorala, Rajitha Senaratne, Patali Champika Ranawaka, J. C. Alawathuwala, and Kavinda Jayawardene. 

They were also absent at the tea party hosted by the Speaker after the President’s statement.

The absence of the members of the Christian clergy in the visitors’ gallery was a noticeable feature whilst members of the Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim clergy were present.

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