MPs Break Into Fisticuffs: Proceedings Disrupted: MR Walks Out Of Chamber Before Vote By Name

November 15, 2018

Parliamentarians broke into fisticuffs in the well of the House, a short while ago, as former President Mahinda Rajapaksa concluded his speech in Parliament. 

Making a speech a day after a No Confidence Motion ousted him, Rajapaksa said he only became the Prime Minister to ensure a PArliamentary election under a Caretaker Government. 

Rajapaksa also blamed the Speaker for allowing a voice vote on the No Confidence Motion, saying Jayasuriya has misused his positional power. 

He also added that the UNP-led government had ruined the economy, and commended President Sirisenafor trying to mitigate the damage. 

After Rajapaksa concluded the speech, Lakshman Kiriella asked for a vote by name on his speech as the House had no confidence in the Parliamentarian. As Kiriella asked for a vote, Rajapaksa left the chamber again, without testing his Parliamentary support. 

Then, the UPFA MPs started approaching the Speaker's chair, threatening to assault him. The UNP MPs rushed to the Speaker's chair and defended Jayasuriya. This led to a clash between the two groups and disrupted the Parliamentary proceedings.