18 January 2022 07:57 pm
A large number of SJB MPs were not in the Parliament chamber when President Gotabaya Rajapaksa addressed Parliament today.
Those who were absent were Harin Fernando, Manusha Nanayakkara, Harsha de Silva, P. Digambaram, Thalatha Athukorala, Rajitha Senaratjne, Patali Champika Ranwaka, J. C. Alawathura, Kavinda Jayawardene and a few others.
Dr. de Silva when inquired by Daily Mirror said he could not attend as his mother-in-law passed away during the weekend
The only SJB MP who was present at the tea party was Kumara Welgama.
In addition Minister of Justice Ali Sabry and Wijedasa Rajapakse were also absent.
Absence of Christian clergy in the visitors’ gallery was another salient feature. Buddhist, Hindu and Islam clergy were present. (Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)