Gazette notice legally approved: Deputy Speaker

Deputy Speaker Thilanga Sumathipala said yesterday the Gazette notice which declared the supply and distribution of fuel as essential services was legally approved in parliament in line with Standing Orders.

He told a news conference held at the parliamentary complex that it was legally approve under Standing Order 43.

The Deputy Speaker said a tense situation prevailed in parliament when the bell was rung for voting after a request for a division and the Speaker was unable to carry out the electrical voting method because of the disturbance caused by the Opposition and as such he had to adopt alternative methods of voting.

He said the Opposition was attempting to disrupt the activities of the government and parliamentary business. (Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera)