Murali stars in House for second time
 

by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi and Ranil Wijayapala

The convivial mood that existed in Parliament on Tuesday when MPs across the floor wished star off spinner Muttiah Muralitharan on the occasion of his wedding to an Indian damsel turned into bitter acrimony yesterday when arguments broke out on the status of individuals entitled to compliments of the House on special occasions.

It was Wimal Weerawansa who was first off the block to congratulate Murali on Tuesday who this time raised a matter of privilege complaining to the Chair over what he termed was a mischievous twist given by Sirasa TV to the sentiments expressed by him in the House on the occasion.

"Sirasa has distorted the statement made by me. I only extended my warm wishes to Muralitharan. But Sirasa TV and Radio has distorted this saying that I objected to Parliament extending wishes to the star cricketer. This should be corrected."

Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara too noted that newspapers had published different news stories on this matter.

"One newspaper had stated that I objected to extending wishes to Muralitharan. That is wrong. We all in this House unanimously extended our best wishes to Muralitharan.

Therefore, I request the print and electronic media to carry a correction if they had published any distorted/wrong news" he added.

At this point Chief Government Whip and Minister Jayaraj Fernandopulle said there have been several distorted news reports. "If this continues further we have to take a stern action against them," he said.

He said newspaper editors and particular reporters should be summoned and be given necessary instructions.

UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake said the government controlled media too carry various distorted news reports against opposition members. "Then those should also be corrected."

Speaker Lokubandara said if there is any distorted news reports by State media members can raise a privilege matter. 'Whether it is State or private, no media should distorted news reports," he added.

At this moment UNP MP Joseph Michael Perera entered the fray and asked the Speaker whether any criteria exist in the House to determine as to who can be complimented.

To whom should this House extend best wishes? Is there any criteria? asked Perera. This prompted cross talk in the House while Speaker Lokubandara intervened to say that Muralitharan was a star cricketer who bought glory and fame to Sri Lanka and there is nothing wrong in extending wishes to him.

"But it should have been done with the consent of party leaders. Then it would be more nicer," added the Speaker.

In a hard hitting statement UNP MP Hemakumara Nanayakkara asked members not to make the House a laughing stock.

"If this continues, we will have to wish everyone on their weddings. Recently two UNP MPs Gayantha Karunatillake and Sagala Ratnayake got married. We have to wish them also. Thereafter we have to continue further," he added.

In replying, Speaker Lokubandara said there is only one Muralitharan who earns much recognition due to his cricketing exploits.

"There are no two Muralitharans but only one who made Sri Lanka proud," he added. Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle said he condemned the UNP for protesting against extending wishes to Muralitharan.

UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake: This House has the powers to extend wishes depending on the occasions and circumstances.

Later in the day Speaker Lokubandara held a meeting with the journalists covering Parliament. The meeting was cordial and Speaker listened to the problems faced by journalists regarding telephone and transport facilities and instructed officials to solve them.