Speaker Karu Jayasuriya Special Statement

Speaker of House Karu Jayasuriya has condemned the unrest that broke out in Parliament this afternoon that also resulted in injuries to several Parliamentarians. The Speaker resuming the Parliamentary session after a short adjournment, called for a prompt report into today’s incident. Hiru news correspondent said a tense situation prevailed within the chamber when Minister of Regional Development Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka addressed the house on the recent changes to the security detail of former President MP Mahinda Rajapaksa. According to reports, several opposition MPs disrupted proceedings by forcing their way to the landing area of the chamber. MPs representing the government also rose from their seats to protect Minister Fonseka from being assaulted. A brawl broke out subsequently with United National Party Kegalle District MP Sandith Samarasinghe sustaining injuries.