Separate area around Parliament complex for demonstrators: PM
The spate of protests around the Parliament complex in the past week, that hindered the movement of MPs, to and from Parliament, led to suggestions yesterday that a separate place be demarcated for protestors, and that, the High Security Zone (HSZ) around the area be re-demarcated.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that, any person has the right to come to Parliament to meet their MPs but, at the same time, they had no right to obstruct the movement of MPs.
“Due to the protests last week, MPs from both sides were obstructed from coming to the House. We brought the matter to the attention of the Chair and asked that steps be taken so that no MP is obstructed from coming to the House," he said.
The Prime Minister said that, as in countries like the UK, special places be designated for people to demonstrate. "If someone wants to come in and talk to us, they can do so. We need to debate issues, but we cannot allow the movement of MPs to be obstructed. Today, we have strengthened the House. This is not the place it was before, where MPs came to raise their hands and go off,” he said.
Meanwhile, (JO group leader) MP Dinesh Gunawardene accused the Government of depriving the rights of constituents to meet their MPs, by blocking the Parliament road.
“We have to have a clear demarcation of what constitutes the HSZ around Parliament. It is the right of people to come to Parliament to meet their representatives,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that, the Speaker can discuss the HSZ matter and inform the MPs. “As there are no emergency regulations in operation, there is no HSZ around the President s House or the Prime Minister’s office. But Parliament can decide on the HSZ for its surrounding area, due to the special privileges we have under the law," he pointed out.