Business of the House for July 25, 2017

The Hon. Karu Jayasuriya, the Speaker took the Chair.

Announcements by the Speaker

‘A’ : Endorsement of the certificate on a Bill under Article 79 of the Constitution
‘B’ : Meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business

Presentation of Papers by the Speaker

The Performance Report of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, from 01.10.2016 to 31.12.2016, in terms of Article 41B (6) of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Presentation of Papers

(i) Order made by the President under Section 3 of the Extradition Law, No. 8 of 1977 relating to Extradition Treaty between Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Russian Federation published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2022/27 of 07th June 2017

(ii) Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report for the year 2017

(iii) Regulations made by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs under Subsection (1) of Section 52 of the Registration of Persons Act, No. 32 of 1968 and published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2021/28 of 31st May 2017

Annual Reports of the;

(iv) National Paper Company Limited for the years 2007/2008, 2008/2009, 2009/2010, 2010/2011 and 2011/2012
(v) Tea Small Holdings Development Authority for the years 2013 and 2014
(vi) Sri Lankan Airlines for the year 2015/2016

(vii) Annual Performance Report of the Land Commissioner General’s Department for the year 2016

Presentation of Reports from the Committees

(i) The Report of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Sustainable Development and Environment and Natural Resources was presented by its Chairperson, the Hon. (Mrs.) Pavithradevi Wanniarachchi.

(ii) The Report of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Internal Administration and Public Management was presented by the Hon. Lucky Jayawardana, member of the Committee on behalf of the Chairman of the Committee, the Hon. Gamini Lokuge.

(iii) The Report of the Committee on Public Finance was presented by its Chairman, the Hon. M. A. Sumanthiran.

Presentation of Petitions

(i) Hon. Susantha Punchinilame        -       Three Petitions
(ii) Hon. Vijitha Herath
(iii) Hon. Ananda Aluthgamage
(iv) Hon. Mujibur Rahuman

(Petitions stands referred to the Committee on Public Petitions)

Questions under Standing Order 23(2) of the Parliament

(i) The Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena

Arrest of the convenor, Mr. Ryan Jayalath of the Medical Students’ Action Committee

(ii) The Hon. Douglas Devananda

People affected by the drought in North and East

Hon. Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, Minister of Disaster Management replied to the above Question.

(iii) The Hon. Anura Dissanayaka

Smuggle of drugs to the country in large scale and action taken in this regard

Hon. Sagala Ratnayaka, Minister of Law and Order and Southern Development replied to the above Question.

Ministerial Statements

Hon. Sagala Ratnayaka, Minister of Law and Order and Southern Development replied to the Question raised by the Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena under Standing Order 23(2) of the Parliament today regarding the Arrest of the convenor, Mr. Ryan Jayalath of the Medical Students’ Action Committee

Presentation of Bills

The Hon. Gayantha Karunatileka, Minister of Lands and Parliamentary Reforms and the Chief Government Whip presented the Bill entitled

“Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses (Amendment)”

to amend the Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Act, No.4 of 2015.

Private Members’ Bills

The Hon. Hector Appuhamy was granted leave to introduce the following Bill, entitled

“Sidney Jayarathne Foundation (Incorporation)”

The above Bill was referred to the Minister of Social Empowerment, Welfare and Kandyan Heritage and Minister of Education for report to Parliament under Standing Order 47(5) of the Parliament.

Main Business of the House for Today

Foreign Exchange Bill

Division was taken (96 in favour; 18 against) and passed by the House with amendments.

Motion at the Adjournment Time

Motion at the Adjournment Time on “Current issues of missing persons in North and East” was proposed by the Hon. Rajavarothiam Sampanthan.

The Parliament was, thereafter adjourned at 1930 Hrs. until 1300 Hrs. on Wednesday 26th July 2017.