UNP stages walkout

Irangika Range and Sandasen Marasinghe

The UNP yesterday staged a walkout from Parliament protesting a decision to debate and pass four motions on a single day despite the approval of the House to do so with a majority.

The UNP left the Chambers in protest at the decision to debate four motions yesterday immediately after Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara declared that the decision was approved with a majority.

The Leader of the House Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva at the outset moved that all four motions should be passed and Parliament should be adjourned until December 8. The suggestion was approved with a majority.

Subsequently, Chief Opposition Whip Joseph Michael Perera stated that the UNP would not take part in the debate.

Thereafter the UNP members were seen leaving the House while JVP members remained inside.