Confusion in Parliament over Social Security Contribution Levy Bill

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)