Tensions in Parliament: Opposition MPs attempt to seize mace

Tensions escalated in Parliament earlier today (03) as Opposition MPs attempted to seize the ceremonial mace during a protest over the rejection of a no-confidence motion against Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne.

The tense situation arose after Opposition MPs attempted to raise privilege issues, including the no-confidence motion submitted against the Speaker.

Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih informed Parliament that the privilege submissions had been received after 9.00 a.m. today and had not yet been reviewed.

He stated that the submissions would be examined and a response provided later in the day.

However, Opposition MPs continued their protest, questioning the decision to reject the no-confidence motion and demanding an explanation.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that the motion, signed by 44 Opposition MPs and containing 50 allegations against the Speaker, had been submitted on October 9 and included in the Parliamentary Order Book on October 12.

He questioned the subsequent decision by the Committee on Parliamentary Business to reject the motion, claiming that it violated the parliamentary privileges of Opposition MPs and undermined democratic procedures.

Parliamentary proceedings subsequently continued despite the earlier disruption. (Newswire)