Confusion in Parliament over Social Security Contribution Levy Bill

7 September 2022 02:44 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 12 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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Confusion reigned with regard to the proposed Social Security Contribution Levy Bill, as it was revealed that amendments to the legislation have been sent to Parliament from unknown sources.

The matter was revealed by SJB MP Harsha de Silva in the House yesterday.

“ Some amendments to the Social Security Contribution Levy Bill were sent to us and were kept on our tables in his House. However the Ministry of Finance has informed me that they did not send any amendments. How can this be?,” he questioned.

JJB MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake who joined in the cross talk said it is dangerous to approve a Bill with amendments which has not been sent by the subject ministry. “This has to be looked into as it is a dangerous precedent,” he said.

Leader of the House Susil Premajayantha said the Ministry should have informed him. “The Ministry of Finance has not properly notified on the amendments. The Ministry should have informed me since I am the Leader of the House,” he said.

SLPP MP Nimal Lansa said the Public Finance Committee should be held responsible for the situation as it is its duty to look into legislations pertaining to financial Bills.

Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kirella said laws should be amended to provide provisions for the judiciary to review legislations. There are provisions for judicial reviews of legislations in many countries. However in Sri Lanka once a Bill is approved in Parliament , the Judiciary has no power to review it. Therefore laws should be amended in Sri Lanka,” Mr. Kiriella said. (Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)

Comments - 12

Poor man Wednesday, 07 September 2022 03:18 PM

Bottom line is lots of under privileged people are suffering. Introducing a levy to help out such is an acceptable norm globally, proportional to income ( not sure if this method is feasible). Important aspect is to identify the people in dire straits , not those who like earning fairly good money but claiming Samurdi and support them. Introduce checks and balances to deal sternly with fraudulent claims. Those opposing should present a solution if not government should go ahead securing the bill without making poor people suffer more.

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Lalith Wednesday, 07 September 2022 03:22 PM

Some person(s) or party(s) seem to be hellbent on sabotaging the passage of the Social Security Contribution Levy Bill that was to be debated in parliament yesterday, the revenue generated from which is to assist the most disadvantaged persons during these very challenging times? Wonder who is behind it, perhaps for their narrow political ends?

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Ghosts galore Wednesday, 07 September 2022 04:04 PM

This seems to be work of some ghosts, representing interested parties, who want to see the end of the nation. Or it may be the ghosts of Easter bomb blast. It may be ghosts of bombers who also died in the blast. Or may be the brains who sent the bombers. What a set of jokers we find in parliament! They deserve this.

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Lanka game of thrones Wednesday, 07 September 2022 04:30 PM

SJB just abstaining for the budget vote may have started the ball rolling on unknown sources sending amendments. If they had spoken against the budget with anything they knew the quality of work would be higher. As obvious scrutiny is around all the time. SJB with their grandstanding abstaining may have unwitting helped this pathetic culture happen for the bill. The SJB can't keep have their cake and eat it too. They have to admit their lack of interest during the passing of the budget could've contributed to this. No point SJB. Probably even the Dullas SLPP faction when the become a new party will be better than the SJB. Smarter fellows like Harin have already left that sinking ship.

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anura hettiarachchi Wednesday, 07 September 2022 05:08 PM

Not only the bill. The whole parliament is a confusion to many laymen

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rbh Wednesday, 07 September 2022 06:43 PM

When it comes to financial matters always noticed the loopholes in legislation to use it when opportunity arise to benefit themselves every loop hole is for business Ranil knows best

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Dr. Jacob Ratnasingham Thursday, 08 September 2022 08:08 AM

Something fishy Mr. Harsha, please follow it up.

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Jamis Bonda Thursday, 08 September 2022 08:09 AM

Government is trying to play a game hiding the vital cards under the mat, be alert Sir.

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Egga Clements Thursday, 08 September 2022 08:11 AM

Keep a close eye on Financial and Security issues Mr. Minister, some irregularities taking place in the Govt.

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Nilmini Welivita Thursday, 08 September 2022 08:37 AM

Steal from the poor to feed the rich, the Rajapaksa legacy continued by Ranil the accidental president.

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Terrence Thursday, 08 September 2022 09:44 AM

Access the CCTV cameras to identify the roguish politicians who manipulated the fake amendments to be circulated

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Jef Thursday, 08 September 2022 10:54 AM

The guys are disappointed levy normally goes the minister's. now our Mr president right on the ball he will get things done the right way dam good lessons been thought Sri lanka must change and lookafter the disability sick elderly

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