Day 1 of the adjournment debate on the government’s policy statement, presented by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, concluded this evening.
The debate will continue tomorrow and on Friday.
President Rajapaksa yesterday ceremonially declared opened the second session of the ninth Parliament by delivering the policy statement of the government.
The Head of State presented the government’s policy statement in accordance with powers vested in him by Article 33(2) of the Constitution.
Speaking during the adjournment debate, Leader of House Minister Dinesh Gunawardena says both the government and the opposition must fulfil their responsibilities in Parliament and steer the country in the correct path.
Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said Parliament has constitutional, financial and oversight powers which should be exercised diligently.
The Minister said although certain factions have questioned the need to continue some traditions and regulations followed in Parliament at present, there are important duties that must be fulfilled by MPs.
Minister Gunawardena said despite various obstacles, MPs should continue to contribute to Parliamentary affairs which are essential for a country to function.
He said the country is facing new challenges in the New Year, and therefore Parliament must play a key role to help overcome such challenges.
Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has proposed to introduce a Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament in order to ensure decorum within Parliament.
Speaking in Parliament, former Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said in order to improve the standard of Parliament and maintain the respect of people, certain changes must be made promptly.
The former Premier said Parliament should play a key role in steering the country in the correct path when the nation is grappling with one of the biggest financial crises.
Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said it is pivotal that Parliament and its members play a bigger role in helping the country come out of the economic crisis.
Former Prime Minister Wickremesinghe noted that MPs must make a concerted effort to maximise the valuable time of Parliament and legislate laws that will help the country come out of the present crisis.
The opposition says the President while delivering the government’s policy statement did not address any current issues or problems faced by the general public.
Speaking in Parliament, Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella said the Head of State failed to propose any solutions to the issues faced by the public.
MP Kiriella said the President did not address through his address the issues faced by the farmers, fuel, electricity and gas crisis and the rise in cost of living.
He added all governments constructed roads and building, and the public was eagerly waiting for answers to the current issues faced by the country.
MP Lakshman Kiriella said the Head of State disappointed the entire country by not taking up any pressing issues during his address.
Minister of Ports & Shipping Rohitha Abeygunawardhana says the claims made by the opposition during the commencement of the Port City project have been proven wrong.
Speaking in Parliament today, Minister Abeygunawardhana said various claims were made against the then government in order to deceive the public.
The Minister said the opposition claimed, the Port City project will lead to major environmental disaster. He said however now people are visiting the Port City without a visa, passport or a ticket in numbers.
Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardhana said around 22,000 persons visited the Port City yesterday and it is evident the project has been a success.
