UPFA MPs protest at entrance to parliament

UPFP MPs staged a protest opposite the entrance to Parliament against what they called the undemocratic manner in which the government was passing its financial Bills through Parliament against parliamentary traditions and standing orders. Addressing the media, MEP Leader Dinesh Gunawardena said: "The government brought in several financial orders after suspending the Standing Orders. According to the Standing Orders, financial orders amounting to billions of rupees should be taken up for debate at least 14 days after being presented to Parliament. The purpose is to give ample time for MPs to study them. When we pointed this out the government insisted on taking up the motion for debate. The Speaker after listening to us convened a party leaders’ meeting, where we pointed out that the government could not take the Orders for debate. It should have gone for a vote in the House on the matter or consulted the Attorney General. The government did neither but using its sheer force went ahead. This is undemocratic. In protest of this undemocratic act, we decided to walk out of parliament.