"You cannot treat MP Premalal Jayasekera in one way and Ranjan Ramanayake in a different way. Ranjan Ramanayake must be allowed to attend the sessions of Parliament just as Premalal Jayasekera," Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa told Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena during a heated exchange in Parliament today.

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardnea today said Ramanayake, who is currently in prison, would not be called for the sessions of Parliament until the court delivers a ruling on the status of his parliamentary seat. Ramanayake was convicted for cotempt of court by the Supreme Court and he has now filed e Writ application in the Court of Appeal seeking to prevent his removal from Parliament.

"The court has informed me to maintain the status quo. That's all I can do at the moment. Therefore, Ramanayake will not be able to attend the parliamentary meetings," the Speaker said.

Opposition Leader Premadasa intervened at this point and stated that in order to maintain the status quo, Ramanayake should be allowed to attend parliamentary sessions.

"We are a signatory to the ICCPR and we have passed an Act in Parliament in this regard. You cannot treat Premalal Jayasekera in one way and Ramanayake in an entirely different way. I kindly request you to maintain the status quo by allowing Ramanayake to attend the parliamentary sessions," Premadasa said.

However, Premadasa's request did not elicit a positive response from the Speaker. Several MPs from the ruling party, including Dilan Perera and Nimal Lanza, also countered the Opposition Leader's views.