By Sumadhu Weerawarne and Walter Nanayakkara
The JVP yesterday brought its protest into Parliament, on the premise that "democracy would at least prevail in Parliament, if not on the streets".

What followed was a suspension of sessions for 15 minutes.

Wimal Weerawanse, leader of the party‘s group in Parliament proceeded to explain events relating to the attack on its protest by police the previous day.

"We only sought to protest against the recent price hikes. The prices went up greatly over a short period of time. We sought to present a petition to the President on the prevalent state of affairs, when we were attacked by the PoliceÉ"

By this time all JVP MPs were on their feet holding banners that read: "Reduce price of goods". "End the racketeer economy that burdens the people."

Chief Government Whip Richard Pathirana rose to a point of order at this point objecting to the issue raised by the JVP. National List MP Mervyn de Silva too seemed greatly agitated by the protest.

Wimal Weerawanse responding at this point said: "We are only accepting the gift given to us by the government in the new year."

An incoherent verbal exchange followed in high decibel. Transport Minister Dinesh Gunawardene sought to advise the JVP that there was provision for them to conduct a protest having obtained permission from the speaker. "You are new comers so learn the proper procedure," he said.

Repeated attempts by Speaker Anura Bandaranaike to quell the noise proved futile. Repeated requests to the JVP to sit-down were unheeded. "Please sit now that you have protested," he said.

The Chief Opposition Whip W. J. M. Lokubandara sought the forebearance of the Speaker on the "small protest" of the JVP. "This is a time when the very existence of the Parliament is challenged. So I think the Speaker must heed the small protest of the JVP," he said.

The Speaker once again implored the JVP to end its protest.

"We did the same thing three years ago in the Opposition. But we sat down after five minutes."

But the JVP continued unabated even as the UNP raised a second issue.

The Speaker, at 10.20 a.m. suspended sittings for 15 minutes. The house resumed sittings at the end of that period and the session that followed was without event.