• Sectoral Oversight Committees had not been appointed for two years despite repeated requests by the opposition
• There was an issue with Standing Orders and a decision would be taken soon after it was rectified

By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera   

The opposition yesterday questioned the delay in appointing Sectoral Oversight Committees for two years and urged the Speaker to look into the matter without delay.   

Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella told Parliament that Sectoral Oversight Committees had not been appointed for two years despite repeated requests by the opposition.  

“I have brought up the importance of the Oversight Committees at the party leaders meeting every month. Every clause of a Bill presented in Parliament is not discussed at the Consultative Committee. It is done only at Oversight Commitees. You, as the Speaker, should ensure our rights,” he said.  

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane said there was an issue with Standing Orders and that a decision would be taken soon after it was rectified.  

Chief Government Whip Johnston Fernando said the government had a right to take policy decisions and that Standing Orders had been suspended until a decision was taken.  

“It is a business of the government. We can take policy decisions. The opposition cannot influence us,” he said. 

• Govt. had a right to take policy decisions and Standing Orders had been suspended until a decision was taken