Opp. query Govt’s failure to present security report

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana   

Opposition yesterday questioned the government as to why it has failed to present a report on the security situation in the country as per the tradition when an emergency debate is 
carried out.   

This point was raised by both UPFA and the JVP.   

Chief Opposition whip Mahinda Amaraweera who raised the issue said a senior member has to present a report on the security situation in the country in keeping with the tradition with regard to emergency debate. He said this when Deputy Minister Nalin Bandatra Jayamaha rasied to kick of the debate last morning.   

“It is a senior member of the government who should kick off the debate and brief the House on the security situation, not a back-bench member,” he  said.   

Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella who responded said he had presented the Emergency motion as a senior member.   

JVP MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his speech said late Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake or the then Chief Government Whip used to present a report on the security situation earlier. He said such a thing is not happening under the present government. He said the Defence Minister or the State Minister should be present during the emergency debate. “We don’t see any responsible person in the chambers during this emergency debate”.   

Mr. Kiriella who responded said he would agree with what Mr. Dissanayake had said that either Defence Minister or State Minister should be present inside the chamber during the debate.   
State Minister of Defence arrived a short while later and answered questions raised by the opposition.     

It is a senior member of the government who should kick off the debate and brief the House on the security situation, not a back-bench member