PARLIAMENT

The Hon. Ajith Rajapakse, the Deputy Speaker and the Chair of the Committee took the Chair.


Announcements by the Speaker

A : Endorsement of the certificate on Bills under Article 79 of the Constitution


Presentation of Papers

(i)    Performance Report of the Excise Department of Sri Lanka for the year 2023
(ii)    Annual Performance Report of the Department of Census and Statistics for the year 2023
(iii)    Annual Performance Report of the Ministry of Environment for the year 2023
(iv)    Annual Performance Report of the Finance Commission for the year 2023
(v)    Annual Report and Accounts of the University of Kelaniya for the year 2022
(vi)    Performance Report of the Department of Posts for the year 2023
(vii)    Annual Reports of the National Sports Fund for the years 2021 and 2022
(viii)    Performance Report of the Department for Registration of Persons for the year 2023


Presentation of Reports from the Committees

(i)    The Report and the Minutes of the Legislative Standing Committee on “Samadhi Meditation and Yoga Centre (Incorporation) Bill” was presented by the Hon. Madhura Withanage, Attorney at Law, member of the Committee on behalf of the Chair of the Committee.
(ii)    The Report of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Children, Women and Gender was presented by the Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya, member of the Committee on behalf of the Chair of the Committee.
(iii)    The Report of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education was presented by the Hon. (Dr.) V. Radhakrishnan, the Chair of the Committee.
(iv)    The Report of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Increasing Export of Goods & Services was presented by the Hon. Buddhika Pathirana, the Chair of the Committee.


Presentation of Petitions

(i)    The Hon. Douglas Devananda                    
(ii)    The Hon. Chandima Weerakkody, Attorney at Law                     
(Petitions stand referred to the Committee on Public Petitions)


Presentation of Bills

The Hon. Minister of Public Security moved the Bill entitled

“Immigration”

to make provisions for controlling the entry into and departure of persons from Sri Lanka; controlling the stay of persons in Sri Lanka who are not citizens of Sri Lanka; for the issue of travel documents; for the repeal of the Immigrants and Emigrants Act (Chapter 351) and the Passport (Regulation) and Exit Permit Act, No. 53 of 1971; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.


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

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

That the time period granted to 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, as specified in the Resolution passed by Parliament on 22nd  March 2024, be extended up to 22nd July 2024 in terms of Standing Order 102 of the Parliament as the Committee needs further time to report its observations to Parliament


Private Members’ Bills

The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam was granted leave to introduce the following Bill, entitled

“Colombo Association of Language Skills and Dramatic Art (Incorporation)”

Main Business of the House for Today

The following Bills (appearing as Item Nos. 1 and 2 of today’s Order Paper) were passed by the House.:-

(i) Women Empowerment - with amendments
(ii)    Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO - with amendments


Motion at the Adjournment Time

Motion at the Adjournment Time on “Implementation of e-motoring project” was proposed by the Hon. Jagath Priyankara.


The Parliament was, thereafter adjourned at 1840 Hrs. until 0930 Hrs. on Tuesday 9th July 2024.

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