Serjeant-at-Arms to retire

Serjeant-at-Arms of Parliament Narendra Fernando is scheduled to retire from his post on 30 Jan, after completing 40 years of service. His deputy, Kushan Jayaratne, is to take over the office starting from the first sitting week of Parliament in February.

The parliamentary business committee has allotted one hour of sitting time on 24 Jan. to appreciate the services of Serjeant-at-Arms Fernando.As per the Standing Orders only Serjeant-at-Arms and the Secretary General of the parliament staff are entitled to felicitation vote in the House sessions.

The committee also decided that the second week of House sitting to be limited to only two days (Jan 23 and Jan 24). The Online Security Bill is scheduled to be taken for its Second Reading debate on Jan 23.