A heated debate arose in Parliament today over the recent controversial statement delivered in Parliament by MP C.V. Vigneswaran being included in the Parliament Hansard.
In his first speech as a Member of Parliament (MP), former Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Vigneswaran said that the Tamil language is the oldest living language in the world and the first language of the first indigenous inhabitants of Sri Lanka.
He also demanded recognition of Tamil rights, stating that the people living in the North and East have a right to self-determination.
Concerns were raised by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian Manusha Nanayakkara on the statement made by Vigneswaran accusing him of promoting a divided Sri Lanka.
During the Parliament session today, MP Nanayakkara raised concerns questioning the decision taken by the Speaker to permit MP Vigneswaran’s statement to be included in the Hansard.
Responding to this allegation, Speaker Abeywardena said all MPs have the right of expression. (Newswire)
Speaker accused of permitting MP C.V. Vigneshwarn's speech to be included in #Parliament Hansard. Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardhana says MP's have right of expression.#SriLanka #Parliament #Colombo #Tamil #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/ZiEEazWEAX
— Newshub.lk (@Newshub_lk) August 27, 2020