The Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, stated that changes have been made to the parliamentary business scheduled for the week commencing from 03 to 06 November.

This decision was taken at the meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business held today (30), chaired by the Hon. Deputy Speaker, Dr. Rizvie Salih.

As previously decided, on each sitting day, the time from 9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. will be allocated for Parliamentary Business listed under Standing Orders 22(1) to 22(6). The period from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. will be allocated for Questions for Oral Answers, while the time from 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. will be allocated for Questions under Standing Order 27(2).

On Tuesday, 03rd November, at 11:30 a.m., a motion seeking approval for the appointment of a “Select Committee of Parliament to conduct a comprehensive study and report on the tragic incident of Black July of 1983 and its impact and to submit its proposals and recommendations to Parliament on ensuring national harmony and providing relief to the affected people”, is scheduled to be moved.

Thereafter, it has been decided to hold an Adjournment Debate from 11.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. on a motion to be moved by the Government.

In accordance with a decision taken at a previous meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business, the Opposition had been requested to amend certain provisions of the No-Confidence Motion submitted against the Speaker, in keeping with the Standing Orders of Parliament, and to resubmit the revised motion.

However, as no revised No-Confidence Motion was submitted, it was decided, as previously agreed, that the motion would not be taken up for debate on this day.

On Wednesday, 04th November, the time from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. has been allocated for the debate on the Regulations published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2508/27 under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, and a Supplementary Estimate, for approval.

Thereafter, from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., a Motion at the Adjournment Time to be moved by the Government will be taken up for debate.

On Thursday, 05th November, it has also been decided to hold the Second Reading Debate on the Trusts (Amendment) Bill from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., provided that no petition is filed in the Supreme Court in respect of the Bill under Article 121 of the Constitution.

Thereafter, from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., a Motion at the Adjournment Time to be moved by the Opposition will be taken up for debate.

On Friday, 06th November the time from 11.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. has been allocated for the debate on the following Private Members’ Motions:

Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law - Formulating a programme to increase train services on the Puttalam railway line

Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage - Formulating a systematic methodology for the scientific planting, management and maintenance of trees along road reservations

Hon. Hesha Vithanage Ankumbura Arachchi, Attorney-at-Law Converting all Colleges of Education in Sri Lanka into university faculties 

Hon. Ravindra Bandara - Introducing a smart electricity grid and smart meters

Hon. Rohana Bandara - Formulating a programme to improve swimming skills

Hon. Upul Kithsiri Declaring the Udawalawe area as a tourism zone

Hon. Hiruni Wijesinghe, Attorney-at-Law Effectively controlling and eradicating the spread of the Water Hyacinth plant

Thereafter, from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., a Motion at the Adjournment Time to be moved by the Opposition will be taken up for debate.