Govt. and opposition clash over two private members’ Bills

• As per the standing orders, a private member’s Bill can be debated next week

By Yohan Perera 

Government and the opposition are in for a battle over giving priority to one of two private members’ Bills presented by MPs Premnath C. Dolawatte and Imthiaz Bakeer Markar.  

The government is expected to go ahead with the private members’ Bill submitted by MP Premnath Dolawatte while Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar had written to the Secretary General of Parliament requesting that his Bill be taken up for debate. 

“I handed over a written request that my Bill be taken up for debate next week. I handed over my private members’ Bill almost six months ago. Six months will be completed on January 14. Therefore, it can be debated straight away as per the standing orders. As per the standing orders, a private member’s Bill can be debated next week. A Bill can be taken up for debate without a ministry observation as per the standing orders. However, there are no provisions to prevent MP’s Dolawatte’s Bill being taken up for debate next week. In such a context, there could be a tussle with regard to the matter when Parliament meets next week.