Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, on behalf of the Opposition, I seek two minutes to clarify two matters.

¶ 02 At the 60th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, following the adoption of a Resolution on Sri Lanka, the Minister of Foreign Affairs made a clarification to this House. Thereafter, many Members raised questions, and we requested a debate on the matter. The Minister agreed. At the Parliamentary Business Committee chaired by you, it was indicated that 4th November could be given for the debate. However, we have since been informed that due to his busy schedule the Minister cannot attend on that date. Parliament next meets on 7th November for the Budget, and 5th December is the Budget Debate. Generally, after the Budget Debate there will be no further sittings this year. Therefore, I ask whether we can have time for that debate; if not, during the Budget Debate under the Heads of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, please extend the Committee Stage time by two hours to discuss this.

¶ 03 Additionally, we requested a Special Committee regarding the release of around 300 containers without proper inspection. You consented. Could you announce the composition of that Committee?

¶ 04 Finally, there is adverse weather across the country, with flood risks in several districts including my Galle District. People are waiting for relief. These require immediate action. What are the Government’s arrangements? Please expedite and provide relief swiftly.