Samagi Jana Balawegaya Parliamentarians engaged in a protest in the Parliament Chamber at the commencement of today’s proceedings.
The SJB MPs were seen holding placards directed at Minister pf Public Security Sarath Weerasekera.
The party requested the Speaker of House to conduct an investigation into Police obstructions of protesters who expected to join yesterday’s protest in Colombo.
General Secretary of the SJB Ranjith Madduma Bandara speaking in Parliament today said the actions of the Police is a violation of MPs Parliament Privileges.
MP Bandara said the present administration is afraid of the SJB and the public.
The MP said the Police attempted to stop the protest by going to Courts adding however the judiciary rejected all such requests.
The Parliamentarian said the Minister of Public Security used the Inspector General of Police and the Police to thwart protests.
He charged the Minister of utilising the Police to force political motives.
MP Bandara said the government cannot oppress the opposition.
The General Secretary said they will take legal action against all those responsible.
Speaking in Parliament today, Samagi Jana Balawegaya Parliamentarian Lakshman Kiriella said Inspector General of Police took matters to his own hands and attempted to disrupt protests.
MP Kiriella said it was organised by opposition Parliamentarians and their Parliamentary privileges were violated due to the actions of the IGP.
He requested the Speaker of House to look into the matter as the Speaker is responsible for protecting Parliamentary Privileges of MPs.
Joining the debate, Parliamentarian JC Alawathuwala said the public was greatly inconvenienced due to the IGP’s actions.
MP Alawathuwala questioned under what laws the IGP issued relevant circulars.
The Parliamentarian charged the Police of violating human rights.
Meanwhile, Parliamentarian Gayantha Karunatilleka said a large number of individuals were inconvenienced due to the government’s short-sighted actions.
He said a large number of vehicles were stopped at roadblocks.
MP Karunatilleka requested the Speaker to conduct an investigation into the matter.
