Ranil clashes with SJB MP in Parliament

• The argument occurred when Vadivel Suresh raised a privilege issue alleging that former MPs and UNP seniors have threatened him with death

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana 

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Vadivel Suresh and UNP MP Ranil Wickremesinghe were engaged in a cross talk in Parliament yesterday.  

  The argument popped up when Vadivel Suresh raised a privilege issue alleging that former MPs and UNP seniors have threatened him with death after storming into the office of the Janatha Estate Workers Union with weapons.
Mr. Wickremesinghe who responded said the issue which the SJB MP raised was subject to Sub judice as a court case is pending on that matter. “ the Speaker will be able to look into the matter only after the court case is completed,” he said.   

Mr. Suresh who became agitated said it was not fair for Wickremesinghe to prevent justice being meted out to a trade unionist. “I am a trade unionist. Therefore you can’t prevent justice done to me,” he said. He was obstructing Mr.Wickremesinghe at this moment.  

“Mr. Speaker, please make this lunatic sit,” Mr.Wickremesinghe was heard saying.  

MP Harin Fernando who joined the fray said Mr.Wickremesinghe was correct in pointing out that there is a court case involved in the issue, However MP Suresh only raised a matter of privillege as an MP,” he said.