A group of opposition Members of Parliament staged a walkout from the Parliament chamber today (17) in protest of the Speaker’s continued bias and refusal to grant time to discuss the escalating Israel-Iran conflict and its potential impact on Sri Lanka.
The walkout was followed by a special meeting of opposition leaders held at the Parliament complex, chaired by Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa. Among those in attendance were MPs Dilith Jayaweera, Namal Rajapaksa, and Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna.
Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilleka stated that the protest stemmed from the Speaker’s refusal to allocate time for urgent debate on the Middle East conflict, which opposition MPs argued poses serious risks to Sri Lankan nationals and businesses, particularly the estimated 10,000–20,000 Sri Lankans currently working in Israel.
Premadasa accused Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne of silencing the opposition, stating that he was personally denied the opportunity to raise a matter of national importance. “We no longer approve of your conduct in this House,” he said, warning that continued disregard for parliamentary procedure would force further walkouts.
He emphasized the need for immediate government action to ensure the safety of Sri Lankans in the region and to mitigate economic fallout from the conflict, which he warned could escalate into a broader war with possible nuclear implications.
Health and Mass Media Minister and Chief Government Whip Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa assured Parliament that the government would address the issue during an adjournment debate later in the evening and that a statement from the Foreign Ministry would follow.
Kurunegala District MP Dayasiri Jayasekara criticized the Speaker for allegedly acting “like a dictator” by suppressing opposition voices, adding that the decision to boycott the remainder of the day’s sessions was a direct result of repeated restrictions.
Leader of the House Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake rejected the allegations, placing blame on the opposition for what he described as unacceptable conduct within the chamber.
ITAK Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam opted to remain in Parliament and participate in the debate, though he too condemned the government’s repeated efforts to curtail the opposition’s right to speak.
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