Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake asked in Parliament as to why President Maithripala Sirisena was not present in the House when MPs are debating the country's security situation. 

"The State Minister of Defence only has limited powers. But the large majority of institutions, including the tri-forces and the Police, come under the President who is also the subject minister of defence. Why isn't he present in the House today," Dissanayake asked.

He added the State Minister of Defence was not aware of important decisions made by the Defence Ministry. 

The JVP Leader said MPs had many questions to raise with President Sirisena over security lapses leading to the Easter Sunday explosions.

However, UPFA MP Mahinda Amaraweera said the President would attend Parliament during the course of the debate.