Parliament Suspends Thewarapperuma, Ranaweera For One Week

The Parliamentary Committee which looked into the recent clash between the government and opposition MPs in Parliament has recommended that Deputy Minister Palitha Thewarapperuma and UPFA MP Prasanna Ranaweera be suspended for a week, with effect from tomorrow.

A report submitted to the Speaker yesterday called for the maximum possible disciplinary measures against Deputy Minister Palith Thewarapperuma and UPFA MP Prasanna Ranaweera.

The clash occurred on Tuesday when Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka started speaking on the reduction of security for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The 'Joint Opposition' MPs protested, saying that Fonseka was not authorized to speak on the matter. The 'Joint Opposition' MPs shouted slogans and the stand-off later developed into a brawl. UNP MP Sandith Samarasinghe was hospitalized after the brawl.