Ex-PM Rajapaksa makes first appearance in P'ment since resigning

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was seen in Parliament on Wednesday (18), his first appearance since he was forced to resign and retreat to a Navy Camp in the Eastern Province following the May 9th Black Monday violence, that resulted in 8 deaths and massive property damage.

In addition, his son, Former Minister Namal Rajapaksa also attended Wednesday's (18) parliament session.

Both Rajapaksa's were notable absentees on Tuesday (17), when a motion to suspend the Standing Orders to debate the motion expressing displeasure on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was taken up for a vote.

The motion was defeated, with new Prime Minister also voting with the government.

On the 11th of May, Defence Secretary Gen. (Rtd.) Kamal Gunaratne confirmed that Former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was temporarily moved to the Trincomalee Navy Dockyard.

“He will not live there forever. After the situation returns to normal, he will be relocated to a residence or location of his choice,” he said.

He said the former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa will be protected as long as he lives, as every former president is entitled to security and protection.