News
Query on Indian National Security Advisor’s visit disallowed
By Saman Indrajith
Badulla district SJB MP Chaminda Wijesiri’s question on the purpose of India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visiting Sri Lanka was not allowed by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, citing procedural reasons in Parliament yesterday (27).
When the first round of the question time was over, MP Wijesiri asked why India’s NSA Doval was visiting the country yesterday and whether the visit had anything to do with handing over the Eastern Jetty of the Colombo Port to India.
Speaker Abeywardena said that the MP could not raise questions in that manner and could raise it later after obtaining permission.
MP Wijesiri: What is wrong with that? An MP is permitted to raise questions of national importance. I am allowed to raise such questions as per the Standing Order 91A.
After that the Speaker was seen consulting Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake. Thereafter, the speaker said that there was no such provision in the Standing Order 91A which permits an MP. There was provision only for an MP to make a clarification, he said.