SJB’s request for debate on LG election dismissed

The request made by the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) for a debate on the local government election (LG) was dismissed at today’s party leader’s meeting, Parliament sources said.

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana referred the request to the party leader when it was made by Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella last morning.

“Sri Lanka might lose GSP plus status if the local government election is postponed à at, Therefore we want a debate on the subject, Kiriella said.

Speaker who responded said the matter has to be decided by the party leaders.

Accordingly, the matter was taken up by the party leaders where the ruling party disagreed with the opposition.

The debate on the regulations under the Colombo Port City Bill will be taken up for debate today. However, a decision has been made to have a debate on essential services on Thursday.  An official statement from Parliament's media unit later confirmed the situation. (Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)