Lanka speaker threatened for not recognising group as separate

Sri Lankan Parliament's Speaker has said he received death threats after refusing to accept a group backing former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as a separate entity in the legislature.
Karu Jayasuriya refused to identify the 'Joint Opposition' as an independent group in parliament separate from the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA).
"I have discussed the issue with my security personnel and they will be taking some action soon," Jayasuriya told parliament.
His remarks came in response to a query raised by an opposition legislator.
"In politics these things are not unexpected. I was not shattered by it," Jayasuriya said.
He said he had received death threats over telephoneon Tuesday nightfollowing his refusal to accept the group backing Rajapaksa as a separate entity in parliament.

Jayasuriya said the group needed to discuss the issue with President Maithripala Sirisena and decide if they wanted to leave the party and act independently in parliament.
The refusal sparked protests with Rajapaksa loyalists coming to the chamber well.