The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, I draw your attention to the process available to Party Leaders. With prior notice, a question under Standing Order 27(2) can be raised, giving the relevant Minister an opportunity to respond appropriately. We also follow a tradition that where a matter of special national importance arises, Party Leaders or a Member may, with your general consent, be allowed to raise it.

¶ 02 However, we observe that the same issue of security is now being raised here for the third time, despite extensive discussion in this House, and answers by the Hon. President and the Hon. Minister. There also appears to be an attempt to build the narrative “national security is in peril,” while a team which earlier waited for the Tigers to re-emerge is trying to rise again. Therefore, we kindly request that beyond Standing Order 27(2), if the Opposition Leader or any Party Leader repeatedly raises matters without urgent importance, you provide special leave only where warranted. Otherwise, Members are simply standing up and speaking without due process, which we cannot agree to. All Members should act fairly.

¶ 03 This repetitive alarmism is now harming the tourism industry. Hence, if anyone wishes to proceed outside Standing Order 27(2), your special permission should be obtained.