National Congress Digamadulla District MP A.L.M. Athaullah had to leave the Parliamentary Chamber yesterday owing to protests by Opposition MPs over his choice of attire to the House.
Athaullah deviated from the dress code for male MPs which is either national dress, full suit or tunic, long-sleeved shirts and trousers by wearing a shalwar kameez with a waistcoat which prompted SJB MP Nalin Bandara to raise objection.
Several other SJB MPs including Harin Fernando and Dilip Wedaarachchi also objected with Bandara attempting to unbutton his shirt in protest and Wedaaracchi raising his sarong up to his knee.
SJB Colombo District MP S.M. Marikkar also joined in by saying that there was a dress code for MPs, but Athaullah had come in wearing a dress more fit for the Pakistan Parliament but not the Sri Lanka Parliament and the MP should be asked to leave the Chamber.
Thereafter Sergeant-at-Arms Narendra Fernando and his Deputy Kushan Jayaratne were seen going to the Athaullah’s seat and speaking to him. Several Government MPs also were seen talking to him, following which he left the Chamber.
Athaullah returned to the Chamber in the afternoon after he got permission from Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena to wear the attire for the day.
The MP had explained he had worn the attire due to a medical condition and chose it as he was comfortable in it.
(FT)