Bond debate ends as members trade allegations 

A 10 hour long debate on the Central Bank bond issue today ended with both, the ruling party and opposition members accusing each other on range of allegations on bad investment decisions, swindling money and corruption.

More than 25 speakers, representing the United National Party,  United People’s Freedom Alliance, Janatha Vimukthi Peramnua and the Tamil National Alliance exchanged views during the debate, but most of the deviated from the topic.

Wimal Weerawansa who was re-remanded earlier in the day until February 7 also appeared in the parliament and  made a speech. 

Among the UNP’s speakers were Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella, Ministers Ravi Karunanayake, Rauf Hakeem, Champika Ranawaka, Kabeer Hashim,  while for the UPFA Mahinda Amaraweera, Nimal Siripala de Silva and  Susil Premajayantha. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was present, but did not take part in the debate.

MPs Namal Rajapaksa, Rohitha Abeygunawardena Vasudeva Nanayakkara and   Mahindananda Aluthgamage  who identify themselves as the joint opposition took part in the debate.

Opposition Leader R.Sampanthan and Shiva Shakthi Anandan  spoke on behalf of the TNA while the EPDP leader Douglas Devananda also spoke