Covid reduces parliamentary sittings to just one day

…questions and oral answers deferred

The fast-spreading Covid-19 epidemic has forced Parliament to reduce its sittings this week. In view of the situation, instead of the four days of scheduled sessions, sittings will take place only today.

 The reduction of sittings was decided yesterday (07) at the Committee on Parliamentary Business chaired by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena to limit it to only today (8), the Communications Department of the Parliament stated in a statement issued. The following is the text of statement: “Accordingly, Parliament sittings will be held today (08) from 10.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

 Second Reading of the Fiscal Management (Responsibility) (Amendment) Bill, Resolution under the Section 8 of the Appropriation Act, No. 6 of 2020a and Regulations under the Imports & Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 is scheduled to be taken into debate from 10.00 a.m. until 12.00 p.m.

 The Motion at the Adjournment Time pertaining to the current situation in the country will be taken up by the Opposition from 12.00 noon to 4.30 p.m. on that day.

 The Questions for Oral Answers has been deferred to another day and Parliament will continue without a lunch break.

 Leader of the House Dinesh Gunawardena, Chief Government Whip Johnston Fernando, Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella, Cabinet Ministers Nimal Siripala de Silva and Prof. GL Peiris, Vasudeva Nanayakkara and M.U.M. Ali Sabry, Prasanna Ranatunga and MPs Mano Ganesan, Ranjith Madduma Bandara, M.A. Sumanthiran, Field marshal Sarath Fonseka and Harsha de Silva were present at the meeting.”