PARLIAMENT

The Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) (Amendment) Bill was passed by a majority vote in Parliament today.

Parliamentarians Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Hon. M. A. Sumanthiran called for a division for the Second Reading of the Bill. Accordingly, 86 votes were cast in favor of the Bill while 35 votes were cast against the Bill during the second reading. Accordingly, the second reading of the Bill was passed with a majority of 51 votes.

Several clauses were passed with amendments during the committee stage and the Third Reading of the Bill was passed without a vote.

Hon. Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, the Deputy Speaker announced to the House the determination of the Supreme Court on the “Surcharge Tax” which stated that it is not inconsistent with the constitution.

Furthermore, Hon. Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, the Deputy Speaker also announced to the House that the Speaker of Parliament endorsed the certificate on Personal Data Protection, The Workmen’s Compensation (Amendment) and the Land Development (Amendment) Bills.

Time was allotted from 10.00 am to 11.00 am for Questions for Oral Answers. Hon. (Prof.) G. L. Peiris, Minister of Foreign Affairs presented the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) (Amendment) Bill to the House after which it was taken into debate until 4.30 pm.

Thereafter time was also allotted for Questions at the Adjournment Time from 4.30pm to 4.50pm.  Accordingly, Hon. Hesha Withanage, Member of Parliament inquired from the Hon. Gamini Lokuge, Minister of Energy regarding the quality of fuel currently being imported into the country. Furthermore, Hon. Wasantha Yapabandara, Member of Parliament inquired about prevention of unauthorized constructions in tank reserves, river banks and rivers form Hon. (Dr.) Nalaka Godahewa, State Minister of Urban Development, Waste Disposal and Community Cleanliness. Thereafter the Parliament was adjourned till 10.00 am for the next day (23).