JVP slams Govt. for delaying replies

• Says responses to questions raised under Standing Orders delayed for three months 
• Demands Leader of the House identify Ministers responsible but Kiriella refuses 
• Speaker defuses tensions by volunteering to get names and request for responses   

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) lawmaker Anura Kumara Dissanayaka yesterday criticised the Government for delaying answers to questions raised under Standing Order 27 (2), on matters of urgent public importance, and the Ministers who avoid responding to the questions.

Anura Kumara Dissanayaka

MP Dissanayaka, before moving another set of questions under Standing Order 27 (2) in Parliament, questioned the Speaker on the reasons for the delay, and wanted the Leader of the House to name the Ministers responsible for delayed replies.

“There are many questions pending answers from the Government for over three months. The Leader of the House held that the respective Ministers are reminded to reply. Who are these Ministers delaying the replies? If you are unable to name these Ministers, I will raise another question under Standing Order 27 (2), requesting the Government to list these Ministers delaying the replies to my questions. Will that be adequate for the Leader of the House to name them?” he said.

In response, Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella declined to reveal the names. “Don’t create unnecessary problems. I am unable to reveal their names in the Parliament,” said Minister Kiriella.

Rejecting Minister Kiriella’s reply, MP Dissanayake reminded the House of the responsibility of lawmakers who are maintained by the taxpayer. “People maintain these Ministers with public money. So, people of this country have the right to know the name of the Ministers who are not responding to their questions in Parliament. We have asked specific questions and what is the tradition here if the Government is unable to name the Ministers who delay the replies?” 

Putting a stop to the growing tension between JVP lawmaker Dissanayaka and Minister Kiriella, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya assured the House that he will get the names and speak to the Ministers personally to answer the questions long delayed. (AH)