Debate on President’s policy statement

• Party leaders decide to hold one-day debate next Thursday 

 Party leaders yesterday decided to hold a one-day debate on 10 May on the Government’s latest policy statement, which is to be presented to Parliament during the opening session next Tuesday by President Maithripala Sirisena. 

Media Spokesman of the Speaker, Chaminda Gamage, said the decision was reached at Wednesday’s party leaders’ meeting chaired by Speaker Karu Jayasuriya.

The debate will be held from 10.00 a.m. to 6.30 pm on 10 May. The Parliament has been prorogued by a gazette notification issued by the President and the new session is scheduled to begin on 8 May. The new term will commence on that day and the President will present the Government’s policy statement. This policy statement is expected to provide information on the Government’s course for the next two years.

The party leaders’ meeting has also discussed the laws that are to be presented to Parliament in the future and the Parliamentary Order Paper.