Second reading of Active Liability Management Bill postponed

By Ashwin Hemmathagama – Our Lobby Correspondent

The Government postponed the second reading debate of the Active Liability Management Bill which was scheduled for debate yesterday. 

According to Minister of Public Enterprise and Kandy Development and Leader of the House of Parliament Lakshman Kiriella, the differences in opinion has led the Government to delay the debate, which needs more consideration.

Challenging the sudden change in the Government’s plans, Chief Opposition Whip, JVP MP Anura Dissanayake demanded an explanation.

 “What is the purpose of having Party Leaders’ Meetings prior to setting the agenda if the Government changes it later? At the PLM, we told the Government not to take up this Bill today because there are certain problems on its content but the Government at that time argued they need it urgently. Then again it changes stances and postpones it like tamed kittens. Why can’t the Government stay fixed to one decision?” he said.

The Government presented the Active Liability Management Bill for the first reading on 19 February with the objective to manage public debt to ensure the financing needs and payment obligations of the Government are met at the lowest possible cost over the medium to long term, consistent with a prudent degree of risk. The new Bill allows borrowing in advance for debt servicing in future.

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said a final decision on taking up the Bill for debate on Friday would be taken at a Party Leaders’ Meeting at 12 noon today.