Muslim MPs representing the Government yesterday sat on the floor in the Well of Parliament urging the Government to provide adequate protection for their community.
About 11 Parliamentarians including Minister Rishad Bathiudeen and MPs Mujibar Rahuman, M.H.M. Salman, M.H.M. Navavi, Ameer Ali, Ishak Rahman, and Imran Maharoof flocked near the Mace as Local Government and Provincial Councils Minister Faiszer Musthapha
took the floor during the Adjournment Debate on the current situation in the country.
They protested against the recent trend of violent acts unleashed at Muslim community and demanded the Government to take steps to ensure adequate security for them. They went back to their seats after Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe assured that the government was taking all possible measures to protect the people.
Speaker Karu Jayasuriya also pointed out that measures have been taken ensure the security of the people.He said he was in constant contact with the IGP over the past few days to inquire the situation. He told the protesting MPs that their act of disturbing the House would only contribute to worsen the situation, adding that many Parliamentarians from both the Government and Opposition benches had already expressed their dismay over the violent acts.
“I will give you three minutes to take your seats again. Otherwise, I will have to suspend sittings. Do not create chaos in the House. Are you prepared to return to your seats?” he questioned from the MPs in the Well.
Leader of the House and Minister Lakshman Kiriella, observing that the Cabinet has decided to impose the state of Emergency, stressed that the Government is committed to providing security to all communities. “Give the necessary support to us,” he said.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe while stating that all possible measures would be taken to protect the people, especially the Muslims, said any lapses would be properly inquired into. “Parliament must function for the grievances to come out,” he told the protesting MPs.
The Speaker also warned a newly elected Backbench MP who was protesting in the Well to “learn Parliamentary practices and behave well”. Later he instructed a Parliamentary worker in the Chamber to ask that particular MP to meet him at his office.
After the PM’s assurance, the protesting MPs went back to their seats and Musthapha continued his speech.