Bullet in Parliament
WEDNESDAY, 21 AUGUST 2013
UNP MP Ajith Mannapperuma has produced a bullet in the House today, apparently discharged from a weapon used during the incident in Weliweriya on August 1.The main opposition UNP moved an adjournment motion asking the government to reveal those responsible for the crackdown that killed three protestors. Chief Opposition Whip John Amaratunga moved the motion.
MP Mannapperuma who seconded the motion and started speaking, produced a bullet, which he said was picked up from the Weliweriya church premises.
Disaster Management Minister Mahinda Amaraweera was the first to raise a point of order in this regard, and demanded action against the UNP MP.
“Smuggling a bullet into the chamber is a threat to the security of MPs. Therefore, action should be taken,” he said.
Referring to the standing order that governed the security arrangement of Parliament, government MP A.H.M. Azwer said the UNP MP should be arrested immediately as he posed a threat to the security of others in the House.
“This is a serious matter. Action has to be taken,” he said.“We want to know whether the MP lied to the House or not. If it is a lie, his statements should be expunged from the Hansard,” Mr. Alagiyawanna said.
Later, Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody asked the UNP to hand over the bullet produced in the House.(Kelum Bandara)
Basil holds talks with British envoy on north
WEDNESDAY, 21 AUGUST 2013
British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka John Rankin held talks with Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa in Colombo today and discussed among other matters the progress of the demining program in the North and East, resettlement of displaced persons and development work in the North.
The Economic Development ministry said that they also discussed the arrangements for forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM) in Sri Lanka and the benefits it would bring to the participating countries.
Minister Rajapaksa and the British envoy focused attention on development programs the British Government has helped to launch in Sri Lanka and on new investments here. The British High Commission’s Head of Political Section Daniel Painter also participated in the discussions, it added.
The Economic Development ministry said that they also discussed the arrangements for forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM) in Sri Lanka and the benefits it would bring to the participating countries.
Minister Rajapaksa and the British envoy focused attention on development programs the British Government has helped to launch in Sri Lanka and on new investments here. The British High Commission’s Head of Political Section Daniel Painter also participated in the discussions, it added.
