The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, today Hon. Archchuna has raised a Privilege Question on certain matters. Previously, when he raised a Privilege Question regarding speaking time, we provided some clarification.

¶ 02 You know that earlier an incident occurred at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition involving this Member and our officials. We complained to you seeking a solution. Afterwards, we discussed with you and stated in Parliament that as he acts as a Member of the Opposition, we agree to grant him time consistent with our arrangements with other Opposition parties regarding speaking slots. Therefore, there is no longer a problem about his time.

¶ 03 Before commencing main business, please allow me two minutes to draw your and the Government’s attention to a matter affecting the entire Opposition.

¶ 04 There are 12 parties and groups representing diverse provinces and cultures sitting in the Opposition. The best place for an Opposition MP to perform his duties is the Committees of Parliament. Today, in an unprecedented manner, the Government has curtailed Opposition representation in Committees. We discussed this with you, the former Speaker, and the President, but we have received no response. MPs are willing to contribute their time and knowledge; voters expect service. There is no extra cost. Historically, Government and Opposition had near parity in many Committees. As recorded in the Hansard of 6 March 2018, in the Committee on Public Enterprises the Chair was Hon. Sunil Handunnetti of the Opposition, and when the JVP had six MPs, four were members of COPE, namely Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, Hon. Anura Dissanayake, Hon. Bimal Rathnayake and Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa. I have placed in the Library the relevant page.

¶ 05 Please do not act one way when in Opposition and another when in Government. Allow Members space; there is no cost. Today, Opposition Members discussed this with the Leader of the Opposition and requested to increase the composition so we can nominate Members. We request your and the Government’s attention.