Parliament adjourned as JO protest over Samurdhi issue

Parliament was briefly adjourned for a party leaders’ meeting after MPs representing the Joint Opposition protested over the issue of Samurdhi benefit payments. 

Joint Opposition MPs wearing black bands and displaying placards within the chamber protesting against the slashing of Samurdhi benefits, Ada Derana reporter said. 

Amidst the uproar, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya decided to call a party leaders’ meeting and adjourned parliament until then. 

After MP Dinesh Gunawardena had raised questions in Parliament regarding the instances of Samurdhi benefits being slashed, Chief Government Whip Gayantha Karunathilake stated that Minister S.B. Dissanayake will provide a response at the next parliament session. 

Deputy Minister Ajith P. Perera stood up and stated that even the United National Party (UNP) is against the slashing of Samurdhi benefits.