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| Saturday, 21 June 2003 |
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Politics | |
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| Speaker names D.M. Jayaratne for misconduct by Jayantha Sri Nissanka and Bharatha Malawaraarachchi Thursday's Coffin Drama had its spill over yesterday with PA front liner D. M. Jayaratne forced to leave the Chamber after being named by Speaker Joseph Micheal Perera for misconduct stemming from a raucous morning session in Parliament which saw sparks fly across the floor leading to a 10 minute suspension of sittings. Government MPs voiced concern that life threatening weapons may have been smuggled into the Chamber since three PA MPs had sneaked some bags into the Parliament premises refusing to submit them for security checks three days ago. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, A. H. M. Azwer raising a point of order yesterday expressing his concern to the Speaker said that the behaviour of PA-JVP members had seriously affected the dignity and decorum of the House and also placed members lives in jeopardy. "This is a serious matter. Sir, you must ensure the security of the House. You can take appropriate action through Erskin May", he added. Chief Government Whip Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe speaking on the issue said that three PA MPs walked in forcibly three days ago refusing to submit their bags to Police checks and we saw the result of this yesterday (Thursday). "We wonder whether they have brought other dangerous items in these three bags. "He wanted the Speaker to order a thorough search of every room in the House in a bid to look for such items. Our security is on your hands", Minister Samarasinghe said. Thereafter, senior SLFPer D. M. Jayaratne started arguing about the rights of the MPs to conduct protests as a result of the breakdown of law and order in the country which had claimed the lives of some Opposition representatives. Since the MP failed to heed repeated orders by the Chair to stop his speech he was named by the Speaker who suspended sittings for 10 minutes. However, during the condolence vote on the late K. W. Devanayagam's, the Speaker invited Jayaratne back to the Chamber. In the midst of the charges made by the Government members, MEP Leader Dinesh Gunawardane rising to a Point of Order charged that some Police officers had attempted to enter the Chamber on Thursday wearing the white uniforms of Parliament aides. He said: "The officer who is in charge of the room in which the Uniforms are kept had compalined to the Sergeant at Arms in writing in this regard. This is a serious threat to the lives of the MPs. These Police officers had planned to attack the MPs and take away the coffin". The Speaker listening to complaints of both sides said that he will take appropriate action on all complaints. |
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