Tensions flare in parliament as speaker blocks visitor recordings

The National Assembly witnessed tense exchanges on Day-three of the 2025 Budget debates as Speaker Manzoor Nadir and a few Members of Parliament (MPs) clashed over the use of cellphones by visitors in the chamber though the proceedings were being live streamed and recorded by members of the media.
The incident occurred on Tuesday when Education Minister Priya Manickchand was reciting her speech, and visitors in the gallery began recording and allegedly transmitting proceedings.
Speaker Nadir responded by reminding the gallery that only official media were authorised to handle recordings.
Tensions escalated as Minister Manickchand and the Speaker debated the issue, with Nadir asserting his authority to maintain order.
“Honorable Minister, just to remind visitors in the gallery that they should not be recording or transmitting from the chamber,” the Speaker said.
However, Manickchand followed up, stating “I don’t see staff at the Ministry recording, sir.”
In response, the Speaker reaffirmed his ruling, emphasising that respect for the protocols of the chamber must be upheld.
“If I am saying and cautioning members in the gallery, you are now telling me you’re not seeing them… I made a ruling, an observation, I didn’t ask you if you saw anybody”.
“This house here, I have to keep certain order in. And if I notice things are out of order, it is my duty, right, privilege to make the statement,” he declared.
Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister, Gail Texeira attempted to remedy the matter but was shut down by Nadir.
The debates resumed shortly after the heated interaction.