More opportunities for MPs to make speeches during Budget Debate

The Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake stated that following the presentation of the budget speech by Minister of Finance on the 12th at 2.00 pm, providing more opportunity for the Speakers who will be making budget speeches during the Budget Debate till December 10th was taken into consideration at the Committee on Parliamentary Business held on the 8th.

Matters pertaining to the budget period, including the security of Parliament were taken into discussion at the Committee on Parliamentary Business chaired by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, the Secretary General said.

Accordingly, it has also been decided to limit the time allowed for questions under Standing Order 27 (2) to a maximum of 10 minutes during the budget period.

A decision was also taken to give the Government and the Opposition one day after the other for the Motion at the Time of Adjournment during the budget period. It was also agreed to continue the budget debate until 5.30 pm if there is a Motion at the Time of Adjournment is not scheduled to be held.

The Proclamation made and Published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2251/64 of 29th October 2021 and Schedule thereto, by virtue of the powers vested with the President making the services of a number of institutions and sectors as essential services has been scheduled be taken up in Parliament for approval on the 10th.

This Gazette Extraordinary was issued recently in accordance with the powers vested in the President under Section 2 of the Essential Public Services Act No. 61 of 1979.