UNP says Dissanayake a "political prisoner" (AP photo)

While the Ministry of Environment budget discussions were in progress Mahinda Wijeskara, MP from the opposition camp made a statement with the permission of the Speaker.

Opposition parliamentarians threatened to halt proceedings until the former minister and Nuwara Eliya district MP SB Dissananyake brought back into the chambers.

Disqualification

Former Samurdhi, Agriculture, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister SB Dissanayake has begun his prison sentence. He has been sentenced for two years rigorous imprisonment for contempt of court by the Supreme Court.

Under Article 89 of the Constitution, any person who is serving or has served a jail term of more than six months disqualifies to be an elector for a period of seven years.

Presidential pardon  On behalf of the family and the United National Party I request presidential pardon   Mahinda Wijesekara

United National Party (UNP) legislator Mahinda Wijesekara said however Dissanayake would be able to attend the parliamentary sessions as he was not convicted for any criminal offence.

Presidential pardon

Speaker WJ M lokubandara said that he would referrer the matter to the attorney general before making a ruling on the possibility of Disanayaka attending parliament.

Wijesekara also requested the president to intervene. He said “on behalf of the family and the party I request presidential pardon”.

The Speaker had to suspend procedures a couple of times as UNP parliamentarians along with the members of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) kept interrupting.

UNP parliamentarian T Maheshwaran removed the maze from the chambers after a long battle with the parliamentary officials.