SRI LANKA: Sri Lanka's parliament reopened to fist fights yesterday, casting fresh doubts on the minority government's ability to pass legislation and provide the stability needed to pursue peace with Tamil rebels.
It was only the fourth meeting of parliament since President Chandrika Kumaratunga's United People's Freedom Alliance won elections on April 2nd, and caps a series of sessions in which political bickering has prevented the tabling of legislation.
"It means they're not interested in the manifesto. Their priorities are much more with ensuring they get a stable majority," said constitutional lawyer Mr Rohan Edrisinha, referring to the Freedom Alliance.
The alliance - itself a fractious coalition - has been battling for support from the opposition to strengthen its hand after the election left it eight seats shy of a majority in the 225-seat house.
The chaos also complicates peace efforts, underscoring the feeling among the Tamil Tiger rebels that discussing a final settlement to end the 20-year civil war is futile in the absence of a government strong enough to pass the constitutional changes an agreement would require.
Ms Kumaratunga has herself been handling the bid to end 20 years of civil war, bypassing her divided party, but she and the Tigers have been unable to agree an agenda to restart stalled talks.
The government wants talks to address a final settlement to the war, but the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) insist they be based on their interim power-sharing proposal.
Yesterday's chaos only adds to the sense of stalemate. Parliament descended into mayhem when the speaker tried to swear in a new member whose seat is subject to a court case.
More than 20 members swarmed on the floor, hitting each other, while someone stole the mace, the ceremonial staff that indicates the chamber is in session.
The house was then adjourned until July 20th.
"Basically all the existing laws will be in force and the government will function without lawmaking," said Mr Edrisinha.
Media have speculated that the Ceylon Workers' Congress - which has eight seats - might cross the floor after local elections in mid-July, giving the Freedom Alliance the majority it needs for more stable governance.
- (Reuters)