Opposition decided to Withdraw from Several Key Parliamentary Committees

Chief Opposition Spokesman MP Gayantha Karunathilleka stated that the Opposition has repeatedly requested increased representation in committees such as the Committee on Parliamentary Business, the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) and the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA). 

However, no favorable response has been received from authorities, including the President and the current and former Speakers.

Karunathilleka highlighted that while the Opposition Leader and Chief Opposition Spokesman can attend the Parliamentary Business Committee, only four other Opposition MPs are allowed as members. In contrast, during the previous Parliament, 10 Opposition MPs were included when there were only six political parties in the Opposition. With 12 parties now, he argued, the current representation is inadequate.

Meanwhile, the Parliament has re-established its Climate Caucus for the 10th Parliament. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and NPP MP L.M. Abeywickrama were elected as Co-Chairs. SJB MP Nalin Bandara and NPP MP Asitha Egoda Vithana will serve as Deputy Co-Chairs, while SJB MP Rohini Kumari Wijerathna and NPP MP Anushka Thilakarathne were named Co-Conveners.

The Caucus aims to address the effects of climate change on Sri Lanka and devise actionable solutions, according to the Co-Chairs.