Low turnout of government MPs disrupt Parliamentary sessions

Colombo (News 1st): For a second day today (September 06) parliamentary sessions were interrupted due to the lack of government MPs being present in the chambers. Certain orders under the monetary act were due to be taken up for debate today, however, the government requested for a postponement of the debate. This was met with strong condemnation from the opposition. UPFA MP Vasudeva Nanayakkara voicing his objection noted that a proposal has been presented for the debate to be taken up tomorrow (September 07). He pointed out that the debate cannot be taken up like that and requested for the decision to be taken after considering the opinion of the house. Responding to this Speaker Karu Jayasuriya noted that there is no need for the permission of the house. UPFA MP Dinesh Gunawardena noted that under the standing orders if the house is not in agreement, there is a tradition where the permission of the house was sought. He requested the speaker not to break tradition as he is a person who is preparing to hold a respectable position in the future. The Speaker then noted that if they disagree a vote can be taken. However, Minister Gayantha Karunathilake noted that they have no problem with taking up the vote on another day. Opposing this decision MP Dinesh Gunawardena questioned as to why they are not calling for a vote. He noted that the government cannot present a bill with just three people, therefore he recommended that they should withdraw it. Agreeing to this MP Vasudeva Nanayakkara also requested the government to withdraw it. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya noted that there is no need for it to be withdrawn. He added that if it is not taken up today, it will on another day. UPFA MP Bandula Gunawardena noted that they should understand that four people cannot sustain the government. He pointed out that given the current situation they cannot continue parliamentary sessions. MP Dayasiri Jayasekara said it is clear that there are only three secretaries that are taking forward the parliamentary sessions. He added that if the government does not have enough people to take the government forward, they should resign and hand it over to someone who can. The parliament was adjourned till September 17th. Yesterday (September 05) the passing of certain directives of the Sri Lanka Export Development Act was postponed due to the lack of government MPs in parliament.