Mr. Speaker [The Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne]

¶ 01 The Parliament met at 9.30 a.m., the Hon. Speaker in the Chair.

¶ 02 ANNOUNCEMENTS

¶ 03 Under Article 121(1) of the Constitution, I wish to inform Parliament that I have received copies of two petitions submitted to the Supreme Court in respect of the “Budgetary Relief Allowance of Workers (Amendment)” Bill bearing L.D.-O 19/2025 and the “Budgetary Relief Allowance of Workers (Amendment)” Bill bearing L.D.-O 20/2025.

¶ 04 SITUATION ARISEN ON 06.06.2025 DURING QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWERS

¶ 05 I wish to clarify the situation that arose in this House during the raising of supplementary questions while answers were being given to Questions for Oral Answers on Friday, 06.06.2025.

¶ 06 Standing Orders 31 to 37 set out the procedures relating to questions for oral and written answers. Accordingly, questions on general public affairs may be addressed to the Prime Minister or to a Minister who has responsibility for a subject or function assigned by the President.

¶ 07 Under Standing Order 33(1), not more than two supplementary questions may be asked in respect of an answer given. Such supplementary questions shall not introduce matters not included in the original question and shall be asked only for the purpose of further elucidating some matter of fact arising out of the answer.

¶ 08 Further, if, in the Speaker’s opinion, any question infringes the rules regarding the asking of questions, the Speaker shall not allow such question to be asked. Also, under Standing Order 33(2), the Speaker may limit the time allowed for asking questions and for answering them.

¶ 09 In view of these clear provisions, I express my deep regret regarding the unnecessary commotion caused in this House on 06.06.2025 during question time and the serious disruption caused to the business of the House. I also express my strong regret for the inconvenience caused to the immediate family members of two late former Hon. Members who had come to the public gallery to participate in the condolence references scheduled for that day, which could not proceed due to the disorder.

¶ 10 Hereafter, in relation to Questions for Oral Answers, I shall conduct proceedings strictly in accordance with the Standing Orders and I expect Hon. Members to comply accordingly. I seek the full cooperation of all Members to conduct the business of this august Assembly without unnecessary interruptions.

¶ 11 I also inform Hon. Members that the Department of Inland Revenue will conduct an awareness session for Hon. Members on “Electronic Filing of Income Tax Returns” tomorrow, 18th June 2025, from 1.30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. in Committee Room No. 01 of Parliament. You are kindly invited to participate.

¶ 12 PAPERS PRESENTED