LG elections Bill: SC determination to be announced on Friday

The Acting Secretary-General of Parliament, Chaminda Kularatne said yesterday that the Committee on Parliamentary Business had decided to convene a special Sitting of Parliament, on 14 February. The session is intended for the Speaker to inform Parliament of the Supreme Court’s determination on the petitions filed against the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill, according to a press release issued by Parliament.

The aforesaid decision was made at the Committee on Parliamentary Business held yesterday (10), Chaired by Deputy Speaker of Parliament, (Dr.) Rizvie Salih.

According to the provisions of Standing Order 16 of the Parliament, this call is made based on a request made by the Prime Minister to the Speaker. It was also decided that the relevant Ministerial Consultative Committee would meet on 14th February to consider the Bill.

Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Rathnayake, emphasised the necessity of holding the Local Authorities Elections without further delay in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive to conduct the Local Authorities Election promptly.

As per the decision, the Second Reading debate on the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill will take place on Monday, 17th February, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

The Acting Secretary-General further stated that the Opposition has agreed to submit the proposed amendments, related to the Bill, by 10:00 am on 17th February.

Additionally, the Acting Secretary-General stated that, as previously scheduled, the Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill for the year 2025 (Budget Speech) will be presented by the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, on 17 February.