OPPOSITION PROTESTS OVER BUDGET SPEECH

Owing to verbal obstructions by the Opposition the budget speech of the President had to be interrupted from time to time. Factions of the Government and the Opposition party’s clash:

Today around 2 p.m. the budget speech was began to be read by the President. It was however continuously interrupted at frequent intervals as there was unnecessary shouting from the opposition. As it continued the members of the Government party had gone towards the opposition and has had clashes. UNP’s Haredra Silva M.P was assaulted while M.P Mangala Samaraweera was attacked by Minister Rohitha Bogallagama.  At this time President told his faction ’to please sit down’. In protest some of the UNP members left the House. The President then said what we need is a forceful opposition to at least scream. Still the Budget speech is proceeding: