Wednesday, 4 June 2014 00:13
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Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Leader and Justice Minister Rauff Hakeem yesterday slammed Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody in parliament after the latter had said that there were only four party leaders recognised in parliament and he was not one of them.
The issue arose when Hakeem sought time to speak on a news item appearing in a daily newspaper regarding a Muslim prayer centre in Dambulla.
Weerakkody told Hakeem that the issue must be discussed among party leaders first and then discussed in parliament and that as a matter of practice parliament has recognised only four party leaders and they will meet tomorrow and at that point this matter can be put before them.
Hakeem then hit back saying it was of serious note for Weerakkody to say that only four party leaders are recognised in parliament and the SLMC leader refused to accept that position.
“How dare you! What is the reason for my name to be included in the party leaders list and then why have you allocated me a front seat? What nonsense is this?” Hakeem asked.
Opposition and UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, making a comment on the issue, agreed with the Deputy Speaker saying that only four party leaders are recognised in parliament and if Hakeem had an issue he must discuss the issue in Cabinet and resign if he does not get his way.
Hakeem however hit out the UNP leader for attempting to take advantage of the issue at hand by suggesting that he resign from the Government. (Colombo Gazette)
