Independent MP refuses to vacate Opposition Leader’s seat

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana 

Jaffna District Independent MP Archuuna Ramanathan refused to move away after he sat on the Opposition Leader's seat inside the chambers despite requests by Parliament staff to move.

He said tradition is being changed when he was asked to move. Sajith Premadasa who was named Opposition Leader had to sit at the corner of the front row because of Ramanathan's action. 

Parliament sources said the matter was reported to Secretary General Kushani Rohanadeera but no action could be taken as MPs were allowed to sit wherever they wanted to.