Fonseka not in parliament

5 May 2010 05:14 am

MP General Sarath Fonseka was not allowed to attend Parliament sittings today and was instead forced to attend the Court Martial hearing resulting in the opposition and a government MP urging the Speaker to ensure that the right of MPs are protected.

Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Member of Parliament (MP) Anura Kumara Dissanayaka told the Speaker of the House Chamal Rajapaksa that Fonseka’s rights as an MP had been violated as he had been prevented from attending Parliament today.

Also speaking here Government Minister Wimal Weerawansa noted that while Fonseka had different political views, as an MP he had rights like other Parliamentarians and as such his rights should be protected.

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa responded by saying he will look into the matter. Fonseka was allowed to attend Parliament yesterday despite the Court Martial sitting yesterday as well. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka later said that Fonseka had launched a fast to protest him being prevented from attending Parliament. (KB/GC)