Parliamentary proceedings during the presentation of the 2012 Budget was marred by unruly behaviour by members of both the Opposition and the Government. Certain unruly MPs were attempting to manhandle their opponents. The incident broke out after certain UNP members held placards and started shouting slogans against the budgetary proposals.
The unruly action by the UNP provoked some government benchers to react angrily. Heated exchange of words, between the members of the two sides, was witnessed as Senior Ministers attempted to calm down the situation. Minister Bandula Gunawardane was seen trying to calm MPs from both sides. Despite the commotion, the President continued with his speech uninterrupted.