PARLIAMENT

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


Messages from the President

A : Order under the Public Security Ordinance (Chapter 40)


Announcements by the Speaker

Regarding the incident that took place on the floor of the House on 21st November 2023

B : Seating arrangement during Committee Stage Debate
C : Revised Committee Stage Programme for 27th November, 2nd and 5th December 2023
D : Establishing 03 new Caucuses


Presentation of Papers

(i)    List of Proposed Alterations in the Legends of Draft Estimates - 2024
(ii)    National Education Policy Framework 2023-2033
(iii)    Annual Report of the Superior Courts Complex Board of Management for the year 2022
(iv)    Annual Report of the Ayurveda Medical Council for the year 2022


Presentation of Reports from the Committees

The Report of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Energy & Transport was presented by the Hon. Nalaka Bandara Kottegoda, the Chair of the Committee.


Ministerial Statements

Hon. (Dr.) Bandula Gunawardana, Minister of Transport and Highways made a Ministerial Statement regarding Road Development Authority employees’ strike.


Questions of Privilege

(i)    Hon. Chandima Weerakkody, Attorney at Law

Letter to media by Chairman of Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Security

(ii) Hon. Sajith Premadasa

Interruption of his speech by Government Members of Parliament


Private Members’ Bills

The Hon. Eran Wickramaratne was granted leave to withdraw the following Bill introduced on 26th May 2023

“Declaration of Assets and Liabilities (Amendment)”

Main Business of the House for Today

(i)    Appropriation Bill (2024) - Committee

Appropriation Bill – Eighth Allotted Day - Committee Stage Debate

The following Items (appearing as Item Nos. 2 to 7 of today’s Order Paper) were moved by the House. Item No. 2 was approved and Item Nos. 3 to 7 were referred to the Legislative Standing Committee.:-

(ii) Resolution under the Essential Public Services Act
(iii)    White Rose Foundation (Incorporation) Bill
(iv)    Re-Awakening East Organization (Incorporation) Bill
(v)    United Christian Fellowship of Sri Lanka (Incorporation) Bill
(vi)    Samadhi Health Service, Environment, Agricultural, Cultural and Sport Centre (Incorporation) Bill
(vii)    South Lanka Academy for Tertiary Education and Leadership (Incorporation) Bill


Motion at the Adjournment Time

Motion at the Adjournment Time on “Adopting a suitable methodology for forest clearance and cultivation of crops” was proposed by the Hon. (Major) Sudarshana Denipitiya.


The Parliament was, thereafter adjourned at 1852 Hrs. until 0930 Hrs. on Thursday 23rd November 2023.


[Budget 2024]

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