The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake

¶ 01 This can be presented by anyone; Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri also presented a matter. What has happened is that political eagerness has pushed some to overreach. From the first sitting day this week there was noise about suspending Standing Orders to present the Vote on Account. It was forgotten that we were to present the Vote on Account on the 5th. Then a commotion was raised. We proposed suspending Standing Orders with Leaders’ consent; it should have been done today, but political eagerness made some jump early and cause a scene. After 30 minutes of debate, it was understood. Now the claim is that this violates Act No. 44 of 2024. Having considered all this, we are presenting the Vote on Account. The law is very clear. If the Appropriation Bill is not presented and passed, Parliament has the power to present a Vote on Account. If you need further legal advice, proceed as you wish. From the Government side we request to conclude this and proceed with today’s main business. Repeating the same thing endlessly serves no purpose. We prefer to proceed on a gentleman’s agreement; if not, we are ready even then, Chief Opposition Whip.