SL Parliament to hold one-day debate on Govt's policy statement

[TamilNet, Friday, 02 December 2005, 10:04 GMT]
One-day debate on the policy statement of the new Sri Lankan President Mr. Mahinda Rajapakse is to take place when parliament meets on December 7 on a request made by the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) at the leaders of political parties. Mr Rajapakse presented his policy statement in parliament last Friday.

Mr.R.Sampanthan, leader of the TNA will open the debate on behalf of the TNA which has a parliamentary strength of 22 members, sources said.

The debate, which is to commence at 9 a.m.Friday, will conclude around 6.30 p.m. on the same day.

Mr.Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, Chief Whip of the government parliamentary group has been directed to ensure one hundred percent attendance of ruling party parliamentarians at the time of voting on the policy statement to thwart any attempt by the opposition to defeat the Government, United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) sources said.

Meanwhile, SL President Mahinda Rajapakse is to present the first budget of his government in parliament on December 8.

Mr.Mahinda Rajapakse holds the portfolios of Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Defense. Mr.Siyamabalapitya is the Deputy Minister for Finance, which is a non-cabinet portfolio. Hence President Mr.Rajapakse decided to present the budget himself in the capacity of Minister of Finance on December 8, sources said.