Mar 19, Colombo: Sri Lanka parliament was adjourned for five minutes today due to a tense situation due to opposition parliamentarians protesting the Chair.

The opposition United National Party (UNP) MPs Lakshman Kiriella and Ravi Karunanayaka protested when the the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MP A.H.M. Azwar presided the House today in the absence of the Speaker.

The UNP lawmakers said the Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa has promised not to appoint MP Azwar to chair parliament sessions.

The MPs of the government coalition argued in favor of the MP Azwar.

At this moment, the meeting was adjourned for five minutes. When the House met again the meeting was presided by Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody.