MPs were seen punching each other during the brawl between members of the UNP and those of the Joint opposition group. The protests began when Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe began reading a statement on the bond issue. The MPs involved in the brawl included UNP MP Marikkar, Chaminda Wijesiri, and Hector Appuhamay while JO MPs including Gamini Lokuge, Prasanna Ranaweera and Prasanna Ranataunga were also involved in it. Meanwhile the JVP at a press conference held later in the day faulted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe and Speaker Karu Jayasuriya for paving the way for ugly scenes that erupted in the Chamber. Therefore, both of them should take the responsibility of that unnecessary class situation erupted in the Chamber,” Herath said.

Source: Sunday Times January 10, 2018 11:37 UTC