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| Friday, 6 August 2004 |
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| Pandemonium in Parliament: TNA MP charges towards Speaker Lokubandara's chair by our Parliament correspondents There was a pandemonium in Parliament yesterday after a Tamil National Alliance (TNA) member charged towards the Speaker's chair demanding an opportunity to express his views. The incident occurred soon after Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Promotion Anura Bandaranaike made a personal explanation over certain remarks by Sivajilingam during Parliament debate on an earlier date. In his explanation, Minister Bandaranaike said in his absence, Sivajilingam had made a statement causing severe damage to him. In his speech, MP Sivajilingam had stated that Minister Anura Bandaranaike had accompanied the LTTE's rebel leader Karuna to Singapore. "This is a completely diabolical lie and a false statement. Sivajilingam had not only violated the standing orders by making the statement, but he has also put my life in great danger," Minister Bandaranaike added. While condemning the statement made by Sivajilingam, Minister Bandaranaike said he had never seen Karuna. "I have never seen him. I don't know whether he is black, brown or green. I have not spoken to him either and I will not take him even to Crows Island. This statement is utterly false," added Minister Bandaranaike. MP Sivajilingam who was not present in the Chamber while Minister Bandaranaike was making statement, later came to the House and demanded the Speaker to give him time to express his opinion soon after the explanation of Minister Bandaranaike was over. However, Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara did not allow Sivajilingam who in turn came towards the Speaker's chair across the well of the House. While Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms stepped forward to safeguard the mace, UPFA MP Mervyn Silva also came to the well of the House to thwart Sivajilingam who was approaching forcefully towards the Chair. At this point, Minister Tissa Karaliyadde came forward and controlled Mervyn Silva. However, by the time, a large number of TNA members, UPFA and other opposition gathered in the well of the House and in the ensuing commotion Speaker W. T. M. Lokubandara suspended the sittings for five minutes. After resuming sittings, MP Sivajilingam made an apology to the Speaker and thereafter, the House continued with the day's scheduled business. Earlier in his explanation, Minister Bandaranaike said Sivajilingam's statement had put his life in great danger. "If the LTTE believes in Sivajilingam's remarks, I will be one of the principal targets of the LTTE." He said he was glad that senior TNA members such as Sampanthan, Joseph Pararajasingham had not uttered a word on this. Later, Speaker Lokubandara called upon both sides of the House to ensure the smooth functioning of Parliament. |
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