Parliament sessions were suspended for a brief period due to a tense situation over a dispute that saw MP Dinesh Gunawardena carrying off the mace.

The debate arose over a list of speakers for the debate on the UN Human Rights Commission report.

UPFA MP Wimal Weerawansa objected to the pattern to which the debate would be conducted where government MPs were given speeches consecutively, instead of the common practice of shifting speeches from government and opposition MPs.

MP Mijibur Rahaman, who was at the chair, said he was following the list which was given to him. However, Rahaman had to adjourn the House for a brief period due to a tense situation that arose.

Weerawansa was given the opportunity to speak once the session resumed.