Opp. MPs critical over President, State Defence Minister's absence during Emergency Debate

Opposition MPs today (Jun 27), raised issue over the absence of either the Minister of Defence or State Minister of Defence to answer questions over the State of Emergency in the country. 

By Sandun Jayawardana

Opposition MPs today (Jun 27), raised issue over the absence of either the Minister of Defence or State Minister of Defence to answer questions over the State of Emergency in the country.

While Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella presented the Resolution under the Public Security Ordinance this morning, it fell to Deputy Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade to open the debate for the Government. 

UPFA MP Dinesh Gunawardena said the fact that the Government did not even have a responsible Minister to brief Parliament on the current situation was proof that it had cast aside its responsibilities on ensuring the security of the people. 

JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayaka severely criticized President Maithripala Sirisena in his capacity as Minister of Defence and State Defence Minister Ruwan Wijewardene for being absent at the commencement of the debate on the State of Emergency.

He questioned as to how the Government could justify asking Parliament to approve the extension of the State of Emergency when it could not even properly brief the House on the present situation and why it was necessary to extend the emergency. 

However, State Defence Minister Ruwan Wijewardene arrived in Parliament a short while ago and is expected to make a statement to the House.