Unprecedented clash over Sri Lanka-US Parliamentary Friendship Association

Saturday, 25 January 2025 00:55 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

In an unprecedented turn of events, a heated confrontation unfolded during the reestablishment of the Sri Lanka-US Parliamentary Friendship Association, as described by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dr. Harsha de Silva in a series of posts via ‘X’.

He alleged that the National People’s Power (NPP) Government MPs forced their way to grab the Chair of the Association.

Dr. de Silva who has served in Parliament for 15 years expressed his astonishment at the events.

“In my 15 years in @ParliamentLK I have not seen what I saw today in re-establishing the #LKA #USA parliamentary friendship association. The #JVP #NPP government forced its way to grab the Chair (traditionally taken by the person convening the first meeting and all other offices),” he noted.

According to the MP, the newly elected NPP-led Government made an aggressive move to seize the leadership of the association, breaking away from Parliamentary traditions.

“Argument was ‘We don’t need to follow tradition’. Then counter argued ‘it was always a Minister who chaired’. Fact: last Chair Chandima Weerakkody was just an MP. Anyway glad Harshana maintained our dignity and withdrew. I meant to say @rajakarunahs Harshana Rajakaruna, MP (SJB Gampaha),” Dr. de Silva stated.

He also shared photographs of the meeting where Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne was seen seated next to US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung who inaugurated the event, alongside Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera and Deputy Minister Prof. Anil Jayantha.

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event including Valentine ’s Day. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Flower Bouquets, Clothing, Watches, Lingerie, Gift Sets and Jewellery. Also if you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.