EPC opposition members walk out

The opposition members of the Eastern Provincial Council (EPC) staged a walkout demanding adequate protection to the Provincial Council members, when yesterday’s session of the Council began.

Chairman of the Provincial Council H.M.Mohamed Faiz presided over the meeting. The opposition members condemned the recent hand grenade attack on the residence of the UNP Provincial Council Member Arasarathna Sridaran. They stressed that TMVP was responsible for the attack. The Chairman told the council that he would inform the DIG Eastern province to provide enhanced protection to the PC members.

JVP Member Wimal Piyatissa pointed out that the government should have adopted measures to provide security for the PC members prior to the Provincial Council election. The member, who condemned the grenade attack, pointed out that the Provincial Council was facing a monetary crisis for want of funds for the proposed development activities.

At this stage, the opposition group staged a walkout leaving only the JVP member Vimal Piyatissa . He proposed to relax the present restrictions on fishing and to advance the time of leaving home to 4 am amidst interruptions. The proposal was not seconded by any member. The session was adjourned until August 19, in view of the walkout that continued even after the tea break.