President commends calm in Parliament

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday released a statement praising political parties for reaching an agreement to follow the guidance given by him and holding sessions in a calmer manner than was seen last week. 

He appreciated the effort made by those present at the all-party meeting held on Sunday to reduce conflicts within Parliament.

Initially, the President paid attention to the discord created in Parliament by some parties after the appointment of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and a new Cabinet by him, in accordance with the power vested on him from the Constitution, the statement said. 

“Accordingly, the President summoned two all party-meetings on 15 November 2018 and 18 November 2018, and instructed to hold proceedings of the Parliament without any untoward acts, and to act according to the Standing Orders and Conventions of the Parliament,” the statement said. 

President Maithripala Sirisena extended his gratitude to all party leaders and Members of Parliament for taking steps at the party leaders meeting on Monday, to proceed with the activities of the House according to the Standing Orders, and if any no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa will be presented in the House, to adhere to the conventions of the Parliament, as well as to conduct the process properly, and for taking necessary steps to prevent conflicting situations in the Parliament, in keeping with the request made by the President at the all-party meeting on Sunday.