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by Jayantha Sri Nissanaka and Bharatha Malawaraarachchi

An Uproar errupted in Parliament yesterday over the vote on the Committee Stage debate on the Justice Ministry and Deputy Chairman of Committees Siri Andrahannadi was forced to suspend sittings for 40 minutes.

During the commotion Opposition MPs holding posters shouted slowgans saying "We do not want LTTE courts and we do not want LTTE police stations".

As the House went out of control Deputy Chairman of Committees suspended sittings for 40 minutes and called a Party Leaders meeting.

MEP leader and PA MP Dinesh Gunawardane said that the Opposition and the Government should work responsibly adhering to the Parliamentary traditions, conventions and Standing Orders. But we should not deprive the rights of MPs.

Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapakse said that the Opposition came to an agreement with the Government that they will vote against the Privertisation Programme and any decision which affects the people.

"Today we are asking a vote not against Justice Minister Lokubandara. We have a cordial relationship with him but we are asking a vote against the LTTE courts".

Rajapakse emphasised there should be only one legal system in the country. It is detrimental to the country's sovereignty to have another legal system", he added.

Justice Minister Lokubandara said: If you are against LTTE courts, you should support this Chief voter Government Whip and Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said "we have no objection to the party leaders and discuss this issue.

JVP. MP Wimal Weerawansa said "We have nothing to discuss again".

Thereafter, the House was adjourned for the Party Leaders meeting.

However, at the Party Leaders meeting the Government agreed to the Opposition request for a vote.

But later, the Justice Minister's vote was passed without taking a vote. 

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