Speaker allocates time for Dayasiri, others to speak in Parliament

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena yesterday told Parliament that any MP deprived of the opportunity to speak in Parliament could approach him beforehand and that he would allocate time for them.

Earlier, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLPP) dissident MP, Dayasiri Jayasekera told Parliament that he had been denied an opportunity to speak during Thursday’s debate on Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

“As a former Sports Minister I had a lot to say. As you know I have been sacked from the SLFP. I tried to get an opportunity to speak during Thursday’s debate, but no one gave time. I need to fulfil my duties as a people’s representative,” he said.

Speaker Abeywardena asked Jayasekera to inform him beforehand if he wanted to speak on an issue.

Chief Opposition Whip, Lakshman Kirielle said that Jayasekera must patch up with SLFP leader and former President Maithripala Sirisena. “Then your problem will be sorted,” he mentioned.

“I will talk to the government and Opposition and get you a slot,” he said.However, National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP, Nimal Lanza supported Jayasekera’s appeal stating that all MPs must be given an opportunity to express themselves.