A heated exchange of words took place between Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa in Parliament today.
The two Parliamentarians clashed after MP Premadasa raised the matter of the crackdown on anti-government protesters and the recent arrest of Actress Damitha Abeyratne for forcibly entering the Presidential Secretariat during protests in July.
MP Premadasa called on the government to stop the crackdown on innocent protesters and to refrain from detaining Actress Damitha Abeyratne.
He further questioned how all political parties will come forward and work together with the government when such crackdowns continue in the country.
Responding to the Opposition Leader, SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa said people who have committed a crime must be punished according to the current laws of the country.
He further said that those arrested must comply and cooperate with the investigations.
“Opposition Leader, you cannot have any qualms regarding investigations into acts of vandalism. We all believe in the independence of the judiciary. Neither of us should champion those accused,” MP Rajapaksa said.
Responding to MP Rajapaksa, the Opposition Leader said his choice of representation of the public could not be determined by the Rajapaksa family or MP Namal Rajapaksa.
The Opposition Leader further pointed out that the Constitution of Sri Lanka contains provisions on Fundamental Rights and the Rule of Law which can only be considered as written concepts at present.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today visited Actress Damitha Abeyratne who is being held at the Fort Police.
“She was requested to be present at the Police Station on the 9th. However, she was arrested when taking part in a protest opposite Diyatha Uyana. Following these events, we cannot even fathom standing by the government. We request the government end the suppression,” MP Sajith Premadasa said following his visit. (NewsWire)
Opposition Leader @sajithpremadasa you cannot have any qualms regarding investigations into acts of vandalism. We all belive in the independence of the judiciary. Neither of us should champion those accused – @RajapaksaNamal #SriLanka #SriLankaEconomicCrisis #Colombo #SLnews pic.twitter.com/rISuTVexXz
— Manthri.LK_Watch (@ManthriLK_Watch) September 8, 2022