Why are MPs scared when underworld gangs clash? asks government MP

Colombo, Feb 24 (Daily Mirror) - NPP MP Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi questioned why Members of Parliament must be scared when there are clashes among underworld gangs.

He told parliament that if MPs are scared, it proves that there are links between the underworld and politicians.

"If there is a clash among underworld gangs, why seek security for MPs? Why do MPs get scared when underwolrd gangs clash? Being a ruling party MP, I walk at the Piliyandala Junction alone. If so, I also must feel the need for security. I do not maintain connections with the underworld. If MPs get scared, it proves that politicians and the underworld have links," he said.

The MP said bycicle chain gangs used by then President J.R. Jayawardene rule to suppress July strikers in 1980, have now evolved into the present underworld.