Debate on KNDU bill postponed once again, no date set yet
View(s):Faced with mounting protests across the country, and even opposition from within, the Government again postponed the continuation of the debate on the proposed Kotelawala National Defence University (KNDU) Bill this week.
The continuation of the debate on the bill had been scheduled for Friday with the possibility of a vote after further consideration by the consultative committee on Defence. However, when United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe inquired on Wednesday whether the Government still intends to present the bill for debate as scheduled, National Security State Minister Chamal Rajapaksa said the bill will not be presented as the Government intends to give more time for people to express their views.
The Government’s decision not to proceed with the bill came in the face of mass street protests against it from various quarters, with even some MPs in the Government expressing reservations. The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) too wrote to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa this week proposing four key amendments to the bill if the Government intends to pass it without delay.
No date has yet been set for the continuation of the debate on the draft bill.
(SJ)