In a tumultuous turn of events during today's parliamentary session, Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella has formally requested Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena to take disciplinary action against a group of parliamentarians, including MP Sanath Nishantha. The request followed a disruptive incident during the 2024 Budget debate when a faction of MPs interrupted Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

The uproar prompted a brief adjournment of the session earlier in the day, creating a tense atmosphere within the parliamentary chambers. Opposition Leader Premadasa was addressing the house with a question related to the budget when the interruption occurred.

Kiriella, addressing Speaker Abeywardena, emphasized that Premadasa had obtained permission from the Speaker to raise the question, making the interruption unwarranted and disruptive to parliamentary proceedings. In response to Kiriella's request for disciplinary action, Speaker Abeywardena assured that the matter would be thoroughly investigated.

In a video footage, it was seen that MP Sanath Nishantha took things further by snatching the opposition leader's binder, which contained official documents, during the commotion. This incident has added fuel to the call for accountability and discipline within the parliamentary ranks.

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) took to social media to condemn the disruptive behavior, specifically singling out MP Sanath Nishantha. In a tweet, the SJB described the scenes as "appalling," stating that the disruption occurred during a resolution against the Rajapaksas for economic mismanagement. The tweet further characterized the actions of the Pohottu MPs, including Nishantha, as "dishonorable, reprehensible, and unacceptable."