Showing dissent in the opposition, only a few SJB MPs left the chamber in protest against the president’s policy statement.
Sajith Premadasa led a walkout when the president started his policy speech after the ceremonial opening of the fifth session of the ninth parliament today (07).
But, Sarath Fonseka, Rajitha Senaratne, Kumar Welgama, Patali Champika Ranawaka, A.H.M. Fowzie, Ishaq Rahuman, Faizal Cassim and Vadivel Suresh listened to the speech.
SJB MP Sujith Sanjaya Perera said they boycotted it in protest against a denial of democracy and freedom of expression and against crackdowns on peaceful protests and the unbearable burden on the public.
Of the NPP MPs, leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Vijitha Herath are presently on tour in India.
Its MP Harini Amarasuriya listened to the president’s speech.
Fonseka went to the president’s chamber following his speech and spoke with him for around 30 minutes.
A two-day adjournment debate on the president’s speech begins tomorrow.
