TNA MPs leave comes-up in House

Uditha KUMARASINGHE and Irangika RANGE

Chief Government Whip Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardene yesterday wanted Parliament to seriously consider whether it should grant permission for leave for some TNA MPs to tour the world organising campaigns to promote their separate state concept.

Minister Gunawardene raised this issue in Parliament when TNA MP S. Cyril asked permission for three months leave for his party member M.K. Sivajilingam.

The Minister said these MPs are using their leave to engage in anti-national campaigns abroad violating the Constitution that they were sworn-in to protect and safeguard as Parliamentarians.

The Minister asked whether it was appropriate for the House to approve such leave permissions for MPs to act against the country's sovereignty.