Members scream of pole cats and buffaloes at debate on Wildlife Conservation Department expenses

The dispute between former Wildlife Minister Sarath Fonseka and former State Minister Wimalaweera Dissanayake and the animal name calling occurred somewhat inappropriately during the debate on expenses of the Wildlife and Forest Resource Conservation, Tourism and Land ministries

A former Wildlife Minister and ex-State Minister on the same subject locked horns in Parliament on Friday, with one calling the other animal names and the other criticising the member for foolish decisions taken.

The dispute between former Wildlife Minister Sarath Fonseka and former State Minister Wimalaweera Dissanayake and the animal name calling occurred somewhat inappropriately during the debate on expenses of the Wildlife and Forest Resource Conservation, Tourism and Land ministries.

Field Marshal Fonseka said the proposal of cutting trenches to keep elephants in parks made by a former State Minister who came from Ampara and implemented by the Government was an impractical and foolish project which would not be approved by a person with common sense.

“When this project was undertaken, I knew they were making a wrong turn (Gona Harenne Pol Paleta). The move has not been approved by the Wildlife Conservation Department,” he said.

Responding to the Field Marshal’s speech, former Wildlife State Minister Wimalaweera Dissanayake, who was also in charge of the trench making, shouted that though his name was not mentioned he needed to talk.

The angry former State Minister grinding what was left of his teeth shouted that he needs to speak even when the Speaker told him to respond during the time allocated to him. The MP shouted that the Speaker should not allow anyone to sling mud at him.

He questioned what action was taken by the Field Marshal, the ‘well widane’, a man in charge of fields, when he held the Wildlife Ministry portfolio. The former State Minister also addressed Field Marshal Fonseka as kalawadda (pole cat) and asked whether he heard him.

Meanwhile, Opposition members were shouting at the former State Minister, telling him not to speak like a buffalo.

This exchange of words was taking place while students were among those watching the proceedings from the Gallery, and as the Parliament said a record 5000 students had visited Parliament the previous day.