JO request for debate on floods turned down

By Saman Indrajith-May 22, 2018, 11:04 pm 

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, yesterday, turned down a request made by the Opposition for a debate on prevailing disaster situation in the country and fuel price hikes instead of the scheduled one an Order to provide for a condominium in Kollupitiya

Speaker Jayasuriya said that it had been decided at the last party leaders’ meeting to debate the Order under the Strategic Development Project Act No 2 made by Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade. "Once such a decision is reached we have to stick to it. That is the tradition. I cannot grant the request by the Opposition to debate the prevailing situation in the country now."

MEP Leader Dinesh Gunawardena: "There is a crisis situation in the country owing to inclement weather. Floods and landslides have affected people all around the country. Tens of thousands of people are in distress. Damages to houses and properties are massive. This is a situation of national emergency. We should take up this issue instead of what has been listed for debate. On the other hand, fuel price hikes have made life miserable for people. Prices of all essential items are soaring due to the fuel price increases.

Leader of the House Minister Lakshman Kiriella: The fuel prices are still lower than those in 2015.

We should take up the business listed for the date.

Speaker Jayasuriya: At the party leaders’ meeting it was decided to grant time for JVP sponsored adjournment debate on fuel price hikes this evening. Two hours have been promised. We could take up that issue then. If you need, we can allocate more time. It was also agreed to take up the emergency weather situation issue during the environment debate on Wednesday. You come here and talk something else. Please, let me proceed with the day’s business. MP Gunawardena asked for time to make a brief statement. I gave that opportunity. Now, you make demands against the previous agreement.

Leader of the House: MP Gunawardena sought permission only for a statement.

MP Dr Bandula Gunawardena: As per Standing Orders, a decision made at the party leaders meeting is less important than a request made by more than 21 MPs if they make that request standing up together. There are more than that number here. So the Speaker could revise his decision. If he has doubts he could check it. The MPs are ready to support the change of topic of the debate.

Speaker: We cannot do that. We will abide by the decision made at the party leaders’ meeting.

MP Udaya Gammanpila: Parliament is conducted in accordance with the Standing Orders. Standing Orders have provisions for a request made by more than 20 MPs.

Leader of the House: Have more than 20 MPs made such a request? As per Standing Orders such a request should be made in writing.

Speaker: They made such a request. Hours were spent at the party leaders meeting on the matter. I turned down that request. There is no point in discussing the matter further.

MP Dayasiri Jayasekera: We pass the matter scheduled for today without debate and then take up the disaster situation for debate.

Speaker: Majority at the party leaders meeting agreed to take up the matter on Wednesday.

MP Vasueva Nanayakkara: According to traditions of Parliament, matters of national importance should be given priority. We need a debate on floods and fuel price hike. When you sit in the chair of the Speaker, look the issue from the people’s point of view and not from the party’s.

Jayasuriya: I do not take the government side. What I said was the agreement that had been reached at the party leaders meeting.

Leader of the House: The Speaker has given his ruling. There is no further debating this matter. We should move forward with the day’s business.

MP Dinesh Gunawardena: Why are you afraid of discussing the people’s problem?

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe: When a ruling is given by the Speaker we have to abide by it. If we debate and doubt it that would be against the Speaker’s ruling. If a ruling of the Speaker cannot be accepted then we would have to appoint a committee to look into that.

Mahindananada Aluthgamage: What is more important foreign investment or the problems of people?

MP Bimal Ratnayake: We have made a request for an adjournment debate on fuel price hikes. It has been granted. We could take up the disaster situation, too, at the same time. We may debate both issues together. The government can get their ministers to respond to both issues.

Leader of the House: We are agreed. You can take up any time after 4.00 pm.