Sri Lanka, Sept. 26 -- Later, during the debate, in a heated exchange of words with Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dayasiri Jayasekera, Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake said he meant a division in society only.

The verbal clash was witnessed between them when Mr Jayasekara said that there is a division within the government on the 22nd Amendment to the constitution.

"The government was hiding the fact. Mr Rathnayake revealed the truth, saying there is fractional division within the government," MP Jayasekara said.

Minister Rathnayake replied that what he meant was that the society was divided because of the legislation. "Some media institutions have misreported me," he said.

However, MP Dayasiri said the Minister clearly stated ...