• The initial argument flared up when TNA MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam complained about unparliamentary language allegedly used by Ministers Ali Sabry and Manusha Nanayakkara in the House on Wednesday

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  

An effort made by members of Parliament yesterday to stop an argument that flared up over the use of unparliamentary language ended up with MPs using more unparliamentary language.  

The initial argument flared up when TNA MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam complained about unparliamentary language allegedly used by Ministers Ali Sabry and Manusha Nanayakkara in the House on Wednesday.  
“I am not surprised about the language used by Minister Nanayakkara but I was shocked by the unparliamentary words used by Minister Sabry,” MP Rasamanickam said.  

“I express my regrets if the words used by me have caused embarrassment to anyone. However I am not engaging in cheap politics practiced by MP Rasamanickam. I have the humility to apologise,” Minister Sabry responded.  

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa who intervened at this point said Minister Sabry should put on record that he used the word ‘communal bastard’ and then tender an apology. “I see that belligerent MPs are trying to support you.” These MPS are a bunch of Donkeys” Premadasa said.   

“These bunch of donkeys do not understand a word I am saying,” he also said in response to some MPs who jeered at him.  MP Premanath Dolawatta who responded, accused Mr. Premadasa of calling MPs, donkeys.  

“Actually Mr. Premadasa is the donkey,” he said.