• Government thanks Ranil for proposing a way out of the crisis

By Yohan Perera  

UNP Parliamentarian Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday proposed that the Speaker should immediately name the MPs from the government and the opposition ranks for the committee to investigate the alleged incidents in Parliament last Friday and Saturday. “If the Speaker names the committee, both government and opposition members could sit together and decide a way out of this impasse. That is the best option before you,” the UNP leader said.   

In response, Chief Government Whip Minister Johnston Fernando thanked UNP leader Wickremesinghe for proposing a way out of the crisis prevailing in the House following the alleged assault on Galle District SJB MP Manusha Nanayakkara by government MPs.  

“We are thankful to the UNP leader for proposing a solution for the crisis. We are also thankful that you attended parliament today soon after your return to the country. I was contacted by one SJB MP and was told that the opposition leader is heavily disturbed after hearing that you are present in the House today. Your attendance of Parliament compensates for the absence of the entire SJB. So, they may return to the House earlier than expected before the world identifies that they are redundant.” Mr. Fernando said.  

The Chief Whip brought to the notice of the Chair that TNA MP Charles Nirmalanathan who is in the opposition ranks has complained that he was continuously overlooked in the list of opposition MPs speaking in the House.