X-Press Pearl debate: Justice Minister draws fire; sittings suspended

By Saman Indrajith

Parliament sittings were suspended abruptly yesterday after a heated argument that ensued over attempts to deprive Sri Lanka of compensation for the X-Press Pearl ship disaster.

The heated argument started after Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, rising to a point of order, told the House that the matter could not be debated in the House as a case pertaining to the same was pending before the courts.

When SJB Kurunegala District MP Thushara Indunil Amarasena sought to move a motion for the debate on the matters related to the X-Press Pearl ship disaster, the Justice Minister said the matter was sub judice and could not be permitted for debate.

MP Amarasena said that it was unreasonable for Minister Rajapakshe to attempt to prevent the debate after making a controversial statement in the House that the latter had information pertaining to a payment of a bribe of $ 250 million to a certain individual.

Minister Rajapakshe warned the MP that the latter should know better that the matter should not be debated in the House and that was against the Standing Orders. “Do not behave like a Montessori kid. This is a Parliament not a Montessori. This is the place where the laws are made. If you have come to this place behave like a lawmaker not as a Montessori kid,” the Minister said.

At this point several Opposition MPs shouted at Minister Rajapakshe and accused him of trying to shield the wrongdoers.

Minister Rajapakshe:

You cannot stop me from talking by shouting at me. I would not stop talking because you are shouting.

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene:

The Minister has raised a point of order. If you have another point of order, you can raise it after the Minister makes his speech. Till then take your seats.

MP Amarasena:

It is the Minister of Justice who raised this issue in the House. He said that a deal amounting to billions of rupees had been struck to deprive the country of compensation. He mentioned the names and addresses of the persons involved in this racket. The one who made the revelation the other day now tries to hush it up.

Minister Rajapakshe:

It is up to the Speaker to decide whether the House should be moved for the debate on this matter. The issue of $ 250 million payment was first raised by your colleague MP Ajith Mannapperuma. I lodged a complaint with the CID.

Speaker Abeywardena suspended sittings for 10 minutes for an immediate party leaders’ meeting.