By Saman Indrajith

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa was warned by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena yesterday to adhere to Standing Orders and parliamentary procedures.

The warning was given when government rank members informed the Chair that Opposition Leader Premadasa had digressed from the subject and he should not be permitted to flout the parliamentary procedures.

When time was given (allocated) for him to make a special statement on COVID-19 vaccines, the Opposition Leader spoke of Lankan migrant workers stranded abroad and urged the government to bring them home. The government had spent Rs. 22 billion on rebranding Sri Lanka Telecom and such funds could have been utilised to bring the stranded Lankans home, he said.

Leader of the House, Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, raising a point of order, said that the Opposition Leader had moved away from his topic. “Parliament business is done in accordance with the agreements reached at the party leaders, meeting attended by representatives of all parties in Parliament. We have agreed to work according to the agenda and order paper decided there. As per that agenda the Opposition Leader has been given time to speak on COVID-19 vaccine. Now, what is he talking about? Why is the Chair letting him flout the business of the House in this manner? He is not only wasting the time of Parliament but also disrupting the sessions. What is the use of holding party leaders’ meetings to decide the agenda?”

Opposition Leader Premadasa: I am raising an important issue. You cannot answer these questions. Please let me speak on behalf of the migrant workers. They were called the Rata Viruvo when they came here to vote for your party but now you have let them down.

Chief Government Whip Highways Minister Johnston Fernando: What is he talking about? He should not be permitted to waste the time of the House. You have a right to raise any question but you have to do it according to the Standing Orders and traditions. You cannot speak out of topic.

Opposition Leader Premadasa: I am speaking for the sake of the people in this country. Let me speak.

 Rural Roads and Other Infrastructure State Minister Nimal Lanza: What will happen if everyone gets up and speaks in this manner? We too have been sent here by the people. But there should be order in this House. Isn’t the Opposition Leader aware of it?

Speaker Abeywardena said that it was regrettable to see that the Opposition Leader digressing and wasting time of the House.