Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has strongly urged Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena not to permit any arbitrary actions within the Parliament.
The Prime Minister expressed concern that Parliament should not be treated as a source of amusement or a theatrical performance. He emphasised that some of the daily proceedings resembled a theatrical act, comparing it to a traditional dance in a temple, and stressed that such a serious institution should not proceed in a manner akin to a performance.
The Prime Minister underscored that, given the circumstances, it is essential for all Members of Parliament (MPs) to uphold the reputation and dignity of the House as well as their own honour. As representatives of the people, he urged them to preserve the Standing Orders while emphasising the importance of maintaining the dignity of their roles.
The Prime Minister reinforced his point by accusing Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa of exploiting Standing Order 27/2 and misusing the rules to raise unrelated issues and matters not covered by Standing Orders.
The Prime Minister asserted that Opposition Leader Premadasa had misused Standing Orders by raising questions under Standing Order 27/2. As a result, he called on the Speaker to make a decision regarding this matter.
The Prime Minister made this comment in response to a situation where, while asking a question under Standing Orders 27/2, the Opposition Leader had also posed another question and it led State Minister Janaka Wkkumbura to seek a clarification from the Speaker regarding which question to address.
In response, the Prime Minister inquired whether there was another question under Standing Order 27/2, besides the one already presented by the Opposition Leader.
He stressed the need for the Speaker to issue a directive in this matter, emphasising that it should be implemented starting from the next Parliament day itself.
Prime Minister Gunawardena noted that while the Opposition Leader might exploit Standing Orders, the ruling party should refrain from doing so. He asserted that the relevant Standing Orders should be honoured and preserved at all times. They should be continued for the future.
Prime Minister Gunawardena, emphasised that while the Opposition Leader can raise urgent questions concerning emergencies like a fire or another critical issue, the Speaker should not permit arbitrary actions within the Parliament by any MP.
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena:
“It is our respectful request for you to respond to the question posed by the State Minister in this instance. Under Standing Order 27/2, the Opposition Leader is granted a certain Privilege. The other Party Leaders also enjoy a similar privilege. Traditionally, whether deferred or not, these questions are usually posed after notifying the Minister concerned. Have you introduced a new Standing Order or not? The functioning of Parliament cannot proceed in this manner.
“In my capacity as the Prime Minister, I wish to highlight a significant crisis arising from the interpretation of certain Standing Orders in Parliament. The current approach to Parliamentary proceedings may lead to some issues, especially given the considerable number of MPs we have. The restriction of Parliamentary questions to five, while MPs are permitted to ask more questions than that, is causing concern. I urge against allowing arbitrary actions of this nature in the functioning of Parliament.
“It is inappropriate to engage in theatrics in this setting. The Speaker also has the authority to use Standing Orders when necessary. Hence, I respectfully urge you to issue a directive in this regard. The timing is inconsequential, whether it is effective immediately or from tomorrow. But please issue the directive without delay. The inquiry revolves around whether there are additional instances of ‘27/2’ beyond the one already raised, as queried by the Minister.
“I am advocating for a solution due to the recurring disruptions, akin to a dance in this sacred space, happening every morning. Let us refrain from turning this August Assembly into a place of discord and rancour. We have upheld the Supremacy of Parliament, surpassing public expectations. In light of this, let us exercise patience and adhere to the established Parliamentary practices, avoiding the pursuit of political power or influence through sheer intolerance.
Opposition Leader has misused Privileges afforded to him – Speaker
There is a shared sentiment that the Privileges granted to the Opposition Leader have been misused. Steps will be taken to address this situation, and amendments to the necessary Standing Orders will be initiated promptly.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa:
“A program has been presented to build the economy of this country. I was only talking about increasing Government revenue. There is no question of misusing Privileges or Standing Orders.”
State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe:
“Discussing matters which are currently under an official investigation is futile.
Raising questions in Parliament about ongoing investigations serves no purpose whatsoever. It is more advisable to focus on topics that have not yet been subject to an investigation.
Officials are permitted to address matters that have not commenced their investigative process.
We must consider as Ministers whether it is appropriate to respond to such inquiries and avoid wasting precious time in Parliament.
We learned about Opposition Leader’s role from Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike – Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena
“Following Article 148 of the Constitution, we are engaged in a crucial debate on Public Finances. During the 1989 Parliamentary sessions in our country, the late Sirimavo Bandaranaike held the position of the Opposition Leader.
Chamal Rajapaksa, Lakshman Kiriella, and others acquired insights into the role of an Opposition Leader from Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike. On a particular day, when a question was brought up in this House, both Government and Opposition Members were present. In her capacity as the Opposition Leader, she always used to address a matter of significant national importance.
The Hansard illustrates how Opposition Leaders have historically operated under Standing Order 27/2. We kindly urge the Opposition Leader to intervene and uphold this noble tradition. By doing so, we can save more time for the effective functioning of the House and focus on other more important issues facing the Nation.”
