Democratic National Alliance (DNA) MP Ajith Kumara said today he would from now on function as an independent member of parliament.

Mr. Kumara accused DNA Group Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake of violating his right to participate in the Budget debate. The MP charged that the DNA had no democratic values as it had violated his right to speak.

“DNA’s claim that it was fighting against capitalism is nothing but a joke,” he said.

Mr. Kumara said the Chief Opposition Whip John Amaratunga had agreed to provide time for him on November 12. But he said he was surprised to find that his name was deleted from the amended original speakers list.

Mr. Kumara also said the DNA had informed him that his list was included in the list prepared for November 10. However he said his name was not
included in that list.

Chief Opposition Whip John Amaratunga who joined in the cross talk at that time said Mr. Dissanayake had informed him that Mr. Kumara’s name
should be cut off from the list of speakers scheduled for November 12 as he was given time on November 10. “We are sorry about the situation which Mr. Kumara is in,” he added . (YP)