Life jacket creates uproar in House

Parliament sittings were suspended twice yesterday afternoon amidst an uproar that erupted after JVP MP Premasiri Manage brought a life jacket, a role of nylon thread and a fishing hook into the chamber.

The MP who was speaking on various injustices caused to fishermen displayed some fishing gear which led to loud protests from Government members. Irrigation Minister Jayatissa Ranaweera first made his protest at the JVP MP's action.

"If the MP can bring a life jacket here, he can bring a suicide jacket as well. This is a serious threat to security of the Parliament," he said.

Amidst the protests, the House was suspended twice and the Sergeant-at-Arms was called to collect the items from the JVP MP.

However, the items could not be recovered and the JVP MPs later walked out in protest. Deputy Speaker Priyankara Jayarathna ordered that the JVP office be searched and the items recovered before they are taken out of the parliamentary complex.

The Chief Government Whip, Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardene said the items should be confiscated.

(UK and IR)