A tense situation was reported in Parliament today as Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Parliamentarians staged a protest against the disruption of religious observances at a temple in Vedukkunarimalai in the Nedunkerny area in Vavuniya recently.
According to the protesting MPs, the Police had disrupted religious observances conducted at the temple for the Maha Shivratri festival on March 08 and had also arrested several people, including the chief priest.
The TNA Parliamentarians holding placards informed the house of the injustice caused by the Police and called for religious freedom and the release of the arrested persons.
Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa, Chief Opposition Whip MP Lakshman Kiriella, and SJB MP Harsha de Silva called on Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakshe to provide an opportunity for the protesting TNA Parliamentarians to present their issues and provide a solution.
The Deputy Speaker announced that investigations will be conducted into the matter after which the course of action will be notified.
Also addressing the Chamber, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe revealed that a case has been filed by TNA MP Charles Nirmalanathan and is currently being debated.
The minister further said that an independent investigation will also be conducted and in the event an injustice has occurred, the court will be notified in this regard.
The Justice Minister pointed out that the Parliament cannot interfere in the matter as it is being handled by the judiciary at present.
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