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

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

¶ 02 ANNOUNCEMENTS

¶ 03 Adherence to Provisions in Standing Order 27(2) when Raising Matters of Urgent Public Importance

¶ 04 Among the primary responsibilities of a Member of Parliament as a representative of the people in a system of representative democracy are representation, law-making, control and oversight of public finance. Of these, the function of representation is particularly significant.

¶ 05 Accordingly, in discharging the representative function, there are several methods to draw the attention of Parliament to public matters and issues connected to the people and to obtain solutions through the Executive: Questions for Oral Answers; Questions for Written Answers; Questions at the time of Adjournment; Motions at the time of Adjournment; and, under Standing Order 27(2), “questions to be asked at the end of Questions relating to a matter of urgent public importance by the Leader of the Opposition or the Leader of a recognized political party, after giving the relevant prior notice.”

¶ 06 In view of matters that have arisen in the House regarding questions raised under Standing Order 27(2), and particularly the situation that occurred in this House on 09.05.2025, I wish, as Speaker, to provide a clarification and to inform the House of my position on the same.

¶ 07 Under Standing Order 27(2), the opportunity afforded to the Leader of the Opposition and Leaders of Parties is intended to obtain answers from the relevant Minister on a specific matter of urgent public importance by way of a brief notice. Therefore, it is essential that the question is on a matter of “urgent public importance” and that it is capable of being answered on the basis of a short notice.

¶ 08 Likewise, the content of such a question should be confined to one specific issue and must fall within the subject purview of a single Minister.

¶ 09 According to long-standing practice, the question is sent to the relevant Minister before 12.00 noon on the previous day with the objective of enabling a prompt reply.

¶ 10 However, since the commencement of the Tenth Parliament, many questions raised under this Standing Order have strayed from “urgent public importance”, contained a large number of supplementary-type questions seeking highly detailed data, extended beyond the purview of a single Minister, and similar questions have been repeatedly raised over time.

¶ 11 Further, although Standing Orders do not provide for supplementaries on such questions, they are often put forward in the nature of supplementary questions seeking clarifications. In many instances, in addition to the Party Leader who raised the question, other Members also seek to raise queries. I wish to inform the House that I have observed such occurrences.

¶ 12 Also, many such questions could be raised through Questions for Oral Answers, Questions for Written Answers, Questions at the Adjournment and Motions at the Adjournment.

¶ 13 Due to the prevailing situation, a considerable amount of time is spent in raising the question, providing replies, and attempting to raise and answer supplementary questions. As a result, these matters are not concluded within the time allocated, seriously obstructing the principal business of the House and depriving time from speakers on the main items.

¶ 14 At the meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business held on 21.03.2025, these matters were discussed at length, and it was decided, on the basis of Standing Orders, prevailing practices and the directions of the Speaker, with the common agreement of both Government and Opposition, to proceed accordingly.

¶ 15 Nevertheless, due to non-compliance with the provisions and practices when presenting such questions, issues relating to time management have arisen. Henceforth, I must stress to this House the need to present questions under Standing Order 27(2) strictly in keeping with the said provisions.

¶ 16 Therefore, taking into account all prevailing circumstances, I request the Leaders of Parties who submit such questions henceforth to do so in accordance with the provisions mentioned above. I further inform the House that questions submitted in contravention will be dealt with as required under the Standing Orders.

¶ 17 I commend these points to the attention of all Party Leaders who submit such questions, and I look forward to your full cooperation so that the business of the House may proceed without hindrance.

¶ 18 AUDITOR-GENERAL'S REPORT

¶ 19 Under Article 154(6) of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, I lay on the Table the following parts of the Auditor-General’s Report:

¶ 20 - Special Audit Report on the advance payment made under Step 11 of Phase III of the Project for the Importation of Dairy Cattle for the importation of 15,000 dairy cows; and - Special Audit Report on the regularity, effectiveness and alignment with the primary objectives of the Board of the six programmes conducted by the National Youth Services Council under the theme “Relieving Youth Distress” during the period from January to August 2024.

¶ 21 Question put, and agreed to.

¶ 22 Ordered that the Reports be printed.

¶ 23 Under Article 154(6) of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, I lay on the Table the Performance Evaluation Report on the “Api Wenuwen Api” Fund, which forms Part VIII of the Auditor-General’s Report.

¶ 24 Question put, and agreed to.

¶ 25 Ordered that the Report be printed.

¶ 26 PAPERS PRESENTED