• Says some SJB MPs rise and speak by force

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  

Time management and discipline of MPs were questioned yesterday with Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena mentioning that Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MPs are the most undisciplined group in the House. 

 “Some SJB MPs rise and speak by force. This group of MPs are the most undisciplined group in the House,” the Speaker said.  

“It is the chair who should maintain discipline of the House,” Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella said.  
“You allow MPs to speak if they want to raise an issue. However, it is the duty of the Chair to maintain discipline.  
The cross-talk began when Chief Government Whip Prasanna Ranatunga said that the opposition was wasting time during the morning by raising various questions. “The opposition wastes time raising questions during mornings so that they can get their voice clips telecasted in TV news. This has caused problems as the time allocated to MPs is lost. Even the time allocated to ruling party members are cut. Also, we had to extend the closing time as a result of this issue,” Mr. Ranatunga said.