Crucial Parliamentary week ahead with investigation into IGP Tennakoon and Batalanda torture chambers debate

The upcoming sitting week of Parliament, beginning next Tuesday, is set to be pivotal, with key motions including the investigation into Police Chief IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon and a debate on the notorious Batalanda torture chambers.

During the recent Business Committee meeting chaired by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickremaratne, party leaders decided that a motion proposing the establishment of a committee to investigate and recommend the removal of IGP Tennakoon will be presented for approval on April 8.

The sessions in Parliament will be held on April 8, 9, and 10, with a packed agenda. On April 8, Tuesday, Parliament will convene from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM for routine parliamentary business under Standing Order 22, sections 1 to 6. From 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, time will be allocated for oral questions. From 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM, parliamentary questions under Standing Order 27(2) will be addressed.

Later in the day, the second reading of the Bill on “Offenses Related to Criminal Activities” will be debated, and the Criminal Procedure (Special Provisions) Act will be presented for approval. The motion to appoint a committee to investigate IGP Tennakoon’s removal is also expected to be presented for approval by 5:30 PM.

The following day, April 9, Parliament will meet from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM for regular business, followed by a 30-minute session from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM for questions directed to the Prime Minister. From 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM, oral questions will be answered, and the session will continue with additional questions under Standing Order 27(2). The afternoon will see discussions on the second reading of the “Taxation (Amendment)” Bill, alongside the approval of 17 annual reports from various statutory bodies.

On April 10, Thursday, Parliament will continue its work, following a similar schedule, with a focus on the second reading of the “Battalanda Housing Complex Inquiry Report.” The debate on this significant issue is expected to continue into May, marking a critical point in the ongoing discussions surrounding past human rights abuse.