Speaker to investigate Parliamentary Mayhem

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa told the Parliament yesterday that an investigation will be held in connection with the unacceptable behaviour exhibited by some Members in the House during the budget speech by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday (21).

He has said that nobody could be allowed to bring posters, banners or any other unauthorized material into the House, and stern action will be taken against those who found guilty for Monday’s events. The Speaker has also pointed out that the House is not a place where the MPs can behave the way they like, and all MPs are bound by the Standing Orders.

Welcoming the initiative being taken by the Speaker, the Leader of the House and the Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Management Nimal Siripala de Silva has endorsed the Speaker’s decision to launch an investigation into Monday’s incident and stated the government would extend its fullest support for such an investigation.

The Minister also stated that the UNP should take full responsibility for the unacceptable behavior in the House during the presentation of the budget proposals. He has further said that a conspiracy was hatched by the Opposition to defame the President and to disrupt the business of the House during the presentation of the budget proposals. (niz).