PARLIAMENT

The resolution proposed by the Prime Minister Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena to constitute the Parliamentary Committee called 'National Council' was passed in Parliament yesterday without objection. The 'National Council’ will be constituted to represent all the parties representing the Ninth Parliament from the recognized political parties of Sri Lanka. For this, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, with the participation of all party representatives, 3 rounds of discussions were held at the Parliament complex, where the agreement of all parties was obtained.

Presenting this proposal to Parliament on 20th September, the Prime Minister explained the authority and general responsibilities of the 'National Council'.

One of them is the determine the general priorities of Parliament to guide the formulation of  short, medium, and long-term national policies.

Another responsibility is to agree on short-term and medium-term common minimum programs related to economic stabilization.

It is also tasked with organizing special meetings with the Ministers of the Cabinet, the National Council, the Chairperson of Special Committees and Youth Observers of Youth Organizations.

The 'National Council' also has the power to summon reports from the Sectoral Oversight Committees, the Committee on Public Finance, the Committee on Public Accounts, the Committee on Public Enterprises and any committee that controls the Public finance.

The National Council will consist of the Hon. Speaker as the Chair, the Prime Minister, Leader of the House of Parliament, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, the Chief Government Whip and not more than thirty-five (35) Members of Parliament representing the Ninth Parliament from recognized Political Parties in Sri Lanka as determined by the Leaders of the Political Parties.