23 September 2020 01:10 am
The Opposition yesterday raised objection to MP A.L.M. Athaullah's attire claiming he was violating the dress code of the House.
Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Nalin Bandara, who raised objections urged the Speaker to remove the MP from the chamber.
SJB MP S.M. Marikkar said this was not the Parliament in Afghanistan or Pakistan to be so attired while MP Athaullah asked whether the Opposition was concerned about the 20A or about his dress but had to leave the chamber because of Opposition protests. However, later in the day, SJB MP Harshana Rajakaruna raised objections saying MP Athaullah was present in the House again violating the dress code.
Deputy Chairman of Committees Angajan Ramanathan said, “The Speaker has allowed him to attend Parliament sessions only for today in that dress”.
Issues pertaining to the dress code of MPs have arisen several times in Parliament in the past with then TNA MP K. Thangershwari being sent out as she came wearing a salvarkameez while M. N Thoufeek was removed for coming into the chamber in a red shirt. A similar issue arose when Srimani Authlathmudali came into Parliament in a skirt and blouse way back in 1995.(Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera)