Nov 22, Colombo: A Buddhist monk who gave evidence regarding an arson case in North Central Province of Sri Lanka was the focus of the parliamentary adjournment debate yesterday.

The Chief Incumbent of the ancient temple in Mihinthale Ven. Walahahengunaweve Dhammarathana Thero gave evidence before Anuradhapura magistrate 50 days after the arson of the property of Anuradhapura district United National Party (UNP) manager late Dr. Raja Johnpulle. The monk said that he witnessed the North Central Provincial Council Chief Minister, his son who is a Minister and a President's coordinator led the mob as several senior police officials were watching.

Gampaha district ruling party MP Dulip Wijesekara making a proposal yesterday urged the Speaker to take actions against those who embarrass the people's representatives through the acts of this sort.

Seconding the proposal ruling party MP Lalith Dissanayake tabled several documents pertaining to complaints against the said monk. The Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara refused to record them in Hansard. Opposition UNP Anuradhapura district MP P. Harrison stated that the judiciary should be allowed to act in accordance with the monk's statement and the Buddhist monks should not be subjected to disrespect.