TENSION IN PARLIAMENT OVER HYBRID COURT

Tension prevailed in parliament yesterday during a protest by a group of opposition MPs over what they described as a government move to set up a hybrid court to probe war crimes.

Parliamentarians Jayantha Samaraweera, Lohan Ratwatte, Udaya Gammanpila, Niroshan Premaratne and Weerakumara Dissanayake hoisted a banner as soon as parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa asked when the government would allocate time for a debate in the House on the question of a hybrid court which he said had been recommended in the Geneva Resolution.

House Leader Lakshman Kiriella responded saying the debate could be held only after Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera returned from abroad. He said the UNHRC resolution had in no way recommended a hybrid court.

The banner was displayed by the protesters no sooner Mr. Weerawansa shot back saying the police were holding investigations on soldiers by going into security forces’ camps.

Minister Rauff Hakeem then accused Mr Weerawansa of taking photos using his mobile phone. Mr Weerawansa shot back saying, “I never talked to the LTTE leader.”

Those displaying the banner and several others then walked down to the well of the House. Government members Nalin Bandara Jayamaha and Palitha Thevarapperuma also came to the well of the House. Mr. Jayamaha attempted to grab the banner while Mr. Thevarapperuma confronted a protesting MP. However, Opposition MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage who intervened stopped a possible exchange of blows.

At this point UPFA MP Mahinda Rajapaksa was seen leaving the chambers.

Deputy Speaker Thilanga Sumathipala ordered that the banner be removed and ordered the MPs carrying the banner to leave the Chambers.

Parliament was adjourned for about ten minutes.