Sri Lanka’s Opposition Leader has asked parliament speaker for a debate on the escalating war between Israel and Iran.
“This is of national importance,” Sajith Premadasa said, asking for a whole-day debate on Thursday.
Between 10,000-20,000 Sri Lankans work in Israel, he said. “There is a huge concern about the safety of their lives.”
Iran is also one of the biggest buyers of Ceylon tea. “It is imperative that we discuss this.”
“We need to examine the impacts on the economy of our country. What is the government’s stance on this situation?”
Opposition legislators remained standing while Premadasa made the request.
Speaker Jagath Wickramanayake allocated time from 3.00 pm to 5.30 pm on Wednesday after Chief Government Whip Bimal Ratnayake, who is also the co-chairman of the Sri Lanka Committee for Solidarity with Palestine, refused to entertain Premadasa’s request.