Sri Lanka's main opposition objects to deputy minister appearing in court as defence counsel

Sri Lanka's main opposition United National party (UNP) raised objections in the parliament against a deputy minister of the government appearing as defence counsel for Minister Susil Premajayantha at the Colombo District court.

Chief Opposition Whip John Amaratunga raised the issue in parliament Thursday afternoon and said the respective deputy minister has appeared on behalf of the Minister in courts yesterday (05).
According to Amaratunga, ministers and deputy ministers of parliament do not appear as counsel in court. He added that when objections were raised the deputy minister had informed the court that he appeared with permission from the Attorney General.

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa responded by saying that he would take necessary action after inquiring into the matter.