SJB Walks Out Over Israel-Iran Debate Block

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) staged a dramatic walkout from Parliament today (17), accusing the Speaker of denying them the opportunity to raise urgent concerns regarding the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. The boycott occurred despite a scheduled debate on the issue later in the afternoon.

The tension began when Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilaka requested just 90 seconds to address what he described as a “matter of great urgency and sensitivity.” The Speaker responded by questioning the relevance of the point and deferred the discussion, citing procedural constraints.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa also attempted to intervene, stating, “This is a matter of national importance,” and highlighting the presence of thousands of Sri Lankan citizens in Israel. “The government has a duty to ensure their safety. At the very least, this House should be briefed before we raise questions,” he said.

Government MPs pushed back, with Government Chief Whip Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa arguing that the Opposition had ample opportunity to raise the issue under Standing Order 27(2), which had already been used by MP Geetha Kumarasinghe to submit a question on the Middle East crisis. “Instead, the opposition ignored procedure and created unnecessary tension,” he said.

Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake criticized the opposition’s conduct, comparing it to past disruptions. “Some of the actions taken here are even worse than the chili powder incident. The Opposition Leader must respect Parliament. If he cannot fulfill that duty, he is unfit for the role,” he said.

In a statement following the walkout, Gayantha Karunathilaka explained, “We are a nation that has suffered the horrors of war. The current situation between Iran and Israel is deeply concerning, and it has implications for Sri Lanka—especially with rising global oil prices. We tried to raise this issue to ask what preparations the government has in place.”

MP Ajith P. Perera added, “We are truly disappointed. The Speaker, who is expected to act impartially, failed to do so. The Opposition Leader and Chief Whip were not even allowed to speak a word on a matter of national importance. That’s why we walked out.”