A heated debate broke out today in Parliament over Samagi Jana Balawegaya Parliamentarian Manusha Nanayakkara not being granted five minutes to address the House.
The Opposition alleged that such a situation has arisen due to the actions of a group of ruling party members including the Chief Government Whip Minister Johnston Fernando.
Parliamentarian Lakshman Kiriella said he requested the Speaker to provide MP Nanayakkara the time he lost during his speech, after the break.
MP Kiriella expressed the opposition’s displeasure over the request being ignored.
MP Kiriella, therefore, requested the Speaker of House to maintain an unbiased approach towards MPs and uphold his duty in protecting them.
He accused the Speaker of being under the influence of the government.
Leader of the House Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said it was wrong of opposition MPs to approach the Secretary General’s desk.
Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara said MP Nanayakkara simply sought to ensure his right to speak in Parliament.
