Chief Opposition Whip calls for 20A debate to be postponed

• Says inadequate social distancing guidelines in place in p’ment 
• Wants Speaker to hold a discussion on how to respect newly gazetted health guidelines

Chief Opposition Whip, Lakshman Kiriella yesterday wrote to the Speaker of the Parliament, requesting the debate on the proposed 20th Amendment set to begin from Wednesday to be postponed. 

Kiriella cited the rapid spread of COVID-19 in many districts and the recently gazetted COVID-19 related public health regulations as reasons for the postponement. 

“If the new regulations are to be followed, the planned debate will have to be stopped. Social distancing needs to be maintained,” Kiriella stated, pointing out that the current seating arrangement in Parliament was in breach of the public health regulations and that convening the assembly at a time when meetings have been banned is illegal.  “What example will we set to the public if the assembly which creates laws end up violating them?” Kiriella questioned. 

The Opposition Parliamentarian requested the Speaker to provide them an opportunity to discuss the matter and to call this week’s parliamentary session in accordance to the public health guidelines that have been gazetted.