PARLIAMENT

• Parliament to convene on April 8th, 9th, and 10th
• Two-day debate on the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Batalanda Housing Scheme to commence on April 10th

During the meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business held yesterday (Mar. 15), Chaired by the Hon. Speaker of Parliament (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne, it was decided to hold the Second Reading of the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill on March 20th from 6.00 PM to 8.00 PM, following the debate on the Appropriation Bill - Committee stage.

It was also decided that Parliament will convene on April 8th, 9th, and 10th. Accordingly, on April 8th Tuesday, from 9.30 AM to 10.00 AM, the time has been allocated for Business of Parliament as per (1) to (6) of Standing Order 22 of Parliament. From 10.00 AM to 11.00 AM, the time will be allocated for Questions for Oral Answers, while from 11.00 AM to 11.30 AM, the time has been reserved for Questions under Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament. Thereafter, the Second Reading of the Proceed of Crime Bill will take place until 5.30 PM.

On April 9th Wednesday, from 9.30 AM to 10.00 AM, the time has been allocated for Business of Parliament as per (1) to (6) of Standing Order 22 of Parliament. From 10.00 AM to 10.30 AM, the time has been allocated for questions directed to the Hon. Prime Minister. From 10.30 AM to 11.00 AM, the time will be allocated for Questions for Oral Answers, while from 11.00 AM to 11.30 AM, the time has been reserved for Questions under Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament. Thereafter, the Second Reading of the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill will be held from 11.30 AM to 5.00 PM. Following that, from 5.00 PM to 5.30 PM, the Motion at the Adjournment Time by the Opposition will be debated.

On April 10th Thursday, from 9.30 AM to 10.00 AM, the time has been allocated for Business of Parliament as per (1) to (6) of Standing Order 22 of Parliament. From 10.00 AM to 11.00 AM, the time will be allocated for Questions for Oral Answers, while from 11.00 AM to 11.30 AM, the time has been reserved for Questions under Standing Order 27(2) of the Parliament. Thereafter, from 11.30 AM to 5.30 PM, the debate on the "Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Establishment and Maintenance of Places of Unlawful Detention and Torture Chambers at the Batalanda Housing Scheme," which was tabled in Parliament on the 14th, will take place. It was also decided to allocate another date in May to continue this as a two-day debate.