COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka’s Parliament descended into disorder on Tuesday when opposition lawmakers protested the government’s refusal to allow an urgent debate on persistent judicial vacancies and a contentious proposal to extend the retirement age of senior judges, prompting the Speaker to suspend proceedings for 10 minutes.
The confrontation began after opposition legislators, led by Ajith P. Perera of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, pressed for immediate discussion of long-unfilled positions in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. In a formal letter signed by about 20 opposition MPs, they urged Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne to allocate time, warning that the vacancies were undermining the judiciary’s ability to function effectively.
Government leaders rejected the request, citing the day’s fixed agenda, which included debate on Value Added Tax amendments and other scheduled legislation. Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake stated that no provision existed to interrupt proceedings for the unscheduled matter.
When Speaker Wickramaratne upheld the government’s position, opposition members rose from their seats and gathered in the center of the chamber, triggering loud protests and heated verbal exchanges with government lawmakers. The situation escalated rapidly as several opposition MPs, including Mr. Perera and Dayasiri Jayasekera, advanced toward the Speaker’s chair and attempted to seize the ceremonial mace — the traditional symbol of Parliament’s authority and sovereignty.
Parliamentary security personnel, led by the Sergeant-at-Arms, swiftly intervened to block them. Government members moved to prevent further disruption, resulting in pushing and shoving on the floor of the House in scenes reminiscent of some of Sri Lanka’s more turbulent parliamentary sessions in recent years.
With the order breaking down, Speaker Wickramaratne announced a 10-minute suspension and left the chair. No injuries were reported, and the House later resumed its business.
