Speaker blocks Sajith’s attempt to raise daily killings

Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne on Wednesday stopped Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa from raising in Parliament the issue of a spate of killings and shootings reported across the country, ruling that the matter could not be raised as a point of order.

At the conclusion of the question session, Premadasa rose on a point of order and said there was a serious threat to national security and law and order as people were being gunned down at various locations.

“There is a problem regarding law and order in the country today. Shootings are taking place across the country every day. Lives are being lost every day. People’s lives are unsafe. The Government is unable to control this situation,” Premadasa said.

Speaker Wickramaratne ruled that the matter raised by the Opposition Leader did not constitute a point of order and asked him to take his seat. Premadasa’s microphone was subsequently switched off.

SJB MP Dayasiri Jayasekara intervened, demanding that the Opposition Leader be allowed to speak.

“There is a tradition here. Normally, when the Opposition Leader rises, he is given an opportunity to speak. What are you doing?” Jayasekara asked.

The Speaker, however, said the Opposition Leader had the opportunity to raise matters of national importance under Standing Order 27(2), and should not misuse the provision relating to points of order.

He said points of order should be confined to matters concerning the proceedings of the House.

The exchange occurred as Premadasa sought to highlight what he described as a deteriorating law and order situation caused by the continuing shootings and killings across the country.