Time management and discipline of MPs were questioned today by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene saying that Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MPs are the most undisciplined lot in the House.

“Some SJB MPs rise and speak by force. This group of MPs are the most undisciplined group in the House,” the Speaker said.

“It is the chair who should maintain discipline of the House,” Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella said.

“You allow MPs to speak if they want to raise an issue. However it is the duty of the Chair to maintain discipline. The cross talk began when Chief Government Whip Prasanna Ranatunga said that the opposition was wasting time during the morning by raising various questions.

“The opposition wastes time raising questions during mornings so that they can get their cuts telecast in TV news. This has caused problems as speaking time of MPs is lost. Even the speaking time of ruling party members are curtailed. Also we had to extend the closing time as a result of this issue,” Ranatunga said.