Local government election SJB’s request for a debate dismissed at party leaders’ meeting

• “Sri Lanka might lose GSP plus status if LG election is postponed”
• The Speaker said the matter has to be decided by the party leaders

 By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  

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

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, therefore we want a debate on the subject,” Kiriella said.  The 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. 

• A decision has been made to have a debate on essential services on Thursday