Convicted murderer sworn in as MP

In Sri Lanka, a politician who was sentenced to death for murder was escorted out of prison on Tuesday to become the first convict to be sworn in as a member of parliament, to heckles from opposition MPs.

In August, Premalal Jayasekara from the ruling Podujana Party was convicted of murdering an opposition activist after opening fire at an election rally in 2015.

However, the conviction and sentence of the 45-year-old came after nominations for the August 5 poll. This meant that he could still contest the election and take up his seat.

Jayasekara was a no-show when the current parliament held its first session on August 20 as prison authorities refused to let him out.

However, he petitioned the Court of Appeal which on Monday held that he should be escorted from prison to exercise his rights as an MP.

Opposition lawmakers wearing black shawls in protest heckled Jayasekara as he took the oath and staged a walkout.

He is to be escorted back to prison after the day’s session.

Jayasekara became the first convicted murderer to serve as an MP in the province. He has been an MP since 2001.