Six resolutions moved in House amid disturbance

After much deliberation and amid Opposition disturbance, Minister of Finance Ravi Karunanayake moved six resolutions under the Appropriation Act No. 36 of 2013 yesterday in Parliament, which was suspended for 45 minutes to hold a party leaders’ meeting.

These orders were moved to introduce limitations to the Railway Stores Advance Account, expenses in connection with the Seized and Fortified Goods Advance Account at Sri Lanka Customs, printing and publicity and sales of Books Advance Account at Education Publication Department, Stores Advance Account, and Work Done Advance Account of Government Factory, in addition to certain other limitations for a number of ministries.

The Opposition held that the short notice of today’s debate violated Parliament procedure. Expressing their displeasure, 30 UPFA members led by Dinesh Gunawardena, Namal Rajapaksa and Vasudeva Nanayakkara left the Parliament premises and staged a protest on Rajamalwatta Road in front of the House.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe suggested the debate continue and the vote be taken on a different date, which was also approved by Speaker Karu Jayasuriya.

The debate is to continue on the next sitting day.