Four pro-LTTE MPs refused leave by Sri Lankan parliament

Colombo, June 10: Sri Lankan parliament today refused to grant leave to four pro-LTTE Tamil MPs from the house, accusing them of acting against the national interest and constitution by spreading false propaganda against the country abroad.

The ruling United People Friend Alliance MPs expressed reservations against a proposal submitted by the four Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MPs requesting three months leave from the Parliament.

It may be recalled that in 2007, M K Eelaventhan a TNA MP was deprived of his house membership as he was absent without leave from for more than three months. The leader was at that time away in North America for some months.

Chief whip of the government Minister Dinesh Gunawardena told Parliament this morning that it was against the constitution to grant leave for these Parliamentarians as they had violated the constitution by spreading false propaganda abroad against the country.

The Minister pointed out that they had engaged in activities harmful to the motherland. National Freedom Front (NFF) leader Wimal Weerawansa said it was illegal to grant leave for such MPs who were acting against the nation's interest. Speaker W J M Lokubandara finally decided to consider the leave application only after an scrutiny.

The refusal of leave has put a question mark on their continuance as members of the house. PTI