A tense situation was reported from Parliament today after members affiliated to the Joint Opposition (JO) protested the slashing of Samurdhi benefits, prompting the Speaker to temporarily adjourn sessions.

Wearing black armbands and holding up posters, the members of the JO asked if the government was ‘not ashamed’ to slash Samurdhi benefits.

Deputy Minister Ajith P. Perera even said the United National Party (UNP) was against slashing Samurdhi benefits.

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya made use of the adjournment of Parliament to call the party leaders meeting.