19.11.2007

An intense argument between Minister of Electricity Mahindananda Aluthgamage and SLFP-People's Wing Coordinator Sripathi Suriyaarachchi ended with an exchange of fisticuffs this morning at the parliament which was already warmed with the vote scheduled for today at the end of the second reading of the budget.

Several Government and opposition MPs had to mediate to settle the quarrel.

The President had to convene his party MPs and the Government parliamentary group separately amidst the rumors over crossovers to both Government and opposition sides and due to plans of some Government MPs to vote against the budget.

Courtesy - LeN