PARLIAMENT

The Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, the Speaker took the Chair.


Announcements by the Speaker

A : Co-opted Members to serve on Legislative Standing Committee for the consideration of the “Sri Lanka Baptist Sangamaya (Incorporation) (Amendment) Bill”
B : Member to serve in the Select Committee of Parliament to study the practical problems and difficulties in relation to preparation for the proposed ‘Business Ready (B-READY) Index’ in Sri Lanka and make its proposals and recommendations


Presentation of Papers

(i)    Performance Report of the Rubber Development Department for the year 2022

(ii) Report on the submission of observations and steps taken in terms of the Standing Order 120(4) of the Parliament with regard to the matters mentioned on the institutions coming under the Department of Public Enterprises of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies in the report of the Committee on Public Enterprises which was presented to Parliament


Presentation of Reports under Standing Order No. 52(6) of the Parliament

The Report under Standing Order 52(6) of the Parliament on the Bill entitled “Sathya Sri Ghanapathi Bhakthi Jana Sewa Foundation (Incorporation)” was presented by the Hon. Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.


Ministerial Statements

Hon. Kanchana Wijesekera, Minister of Power and Energy made a Ministerial Statement regarding low quality fuel.


House agreed to the following Motions moved by the Hon. Leader of the House of Parliament

(i) Ministerial Consultative Committees

That in terms of the provisions of the Standing Order 112(1) of Parliament and the decision taken on the 16th of November, 2023 by the Committee of Selection, the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Agriculture and Plantation Industries be appointed instead of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Agriculture and the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Plantation Industries approved by the Parliament on the 10th of February 2023.

(ii) Ministerial Consultative Committees

That notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 112(1) of the Parliament, in terms of the  decision taken on the 16th of  November, 2023 by the Committee of Selection and the motion agreed to by Parliament this day, the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Agriculture and Plantation Industries shall consist of  the Cabinet Minister in charge of the relevant subject as Chair, State Minister, Deputy Minister and ten (10) other Members of Parliament to be nominated by the Committee of Selection.


Main Business of the House for Today

Appropriation Bill (2024) - Second Reading (Adjourned Debate) (appearing as Item No. 1 of today’s Order Paper)

Today is the Fourth Allotted Day on the Second Reading Debate of the Appropriation Bill (2024).


Motion at the Adjournment Time

Motion at the Adjournment Time on “Restoring ownership of paddy lands in Ampara” was proposed by the Hon. Thavaraja Kalai Arasan.


Thereafter, the Second Reading Debate on the Appropriation Bill (2024) was adjourned at 1838 Hrs. until 0930 Hrs. on Saturday 18th November 2023.


[Budget 2024]

*  This is an unedited version. For the official record of this day's proceedings, please refer the Hansard.