Several MPs injured in Parliament brawl

Several MPs were injured  after  fisticuffs broke out in the Parliamentary chamber this morning  following heated arguments over the failure by the Speaker to facilitate the tabling of the report of the Presidential Commission of inquiry investigated the Treasury bond issue.

MPs were seen punching each other during the brawl between members of the UNP and those of the Joint opposition group.

The protests began when Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe began reading a statement on the bond issue.

The MPs involved in the brawl included UNP MP Marikkar, Chaminda Wijesiri, and Hector Appuhamay while JO MPs including Gamini Lokuge, Prasanna Ranaweera and Prasanna Ranataunga were also involved in it.

Meanwhile the JVP at a press conference held later in the day faulted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe and Speaker Karu Jayasuriya for paving the way for ugly scenes that erupted in the Chamber.

Addressing a press conference held in the parliamentary complex, soon after the House adjourned, JVP Propaganda Secretary, MP Vijitha Herath said if the  PM and the Speaker were aware that   reports will not be presented today (10), they should have postponed the parliamentary session. “We did not come to listen statements of PM. Therefore, both of them should take the responsibility of that unnecessary class situation erupted in the Chamber,” Herath said.

(CK)