Minister removed dress inside Chamber; MP complains to Speaker

20 September 2023 12:37 am Views - 104

By Ajith Siriwartdana and Yohan Perera  

SJB MP Nalin Bandara said yesterday a minister who was attired in an improper dress in Parliament Chamber recently had removed his coat inside the Chamber and hence urged the Speaker to take action against him, claiming that it was an indecent act.  


The MP said a minister, who was thus in the Chamber during the vote on the no-confidence motion on Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, had removed the coat he had been wearing
in the Chamber.  


“No one can remove dresses inside the Chamber. It is an act of dishonour to you. If someone removes a trouser in that manner, that is also not suitable. You, as the Speaker, official and Sergeant-at-arms have a responsibility,” he said and requested the Speaker to cancel his vote just as he (the MP) was removed from the House for indecent behaviour.  
The Speaker said he will advise the minister to avoid wearing such dresses in the Chamber and that he had no right to cancel the minister’s vote.