SLPP violations exacerbated crisis: Kiriella

Tuesday, 16 August 2022 02:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

SJB MP Lakshman Kiriella

SJB MP Lakshman Kiriella yesterday said the party will support all commendable efforts of the Government through the working Committees in Parliament. This has been communicated by the party leader to the President, Kiriella added.

Over two years ago, the party had requested the then-Government to present the Chairmanship of the Finance Committee to the Opposition as per standing orders in Parliament, Kiriella said. But the Speaker and the then-Leader of the House suspended standing orders and presented the post to the ruling party.

The SJB’s nominee then was Dr. Harsha De Silva, he added, and had he been Chairman of the Committee, his comments would have been received with greater credence in the house, and Sri Lanka may have approached the IMF earlier, Kiriella stated.

Developed countries like the UK and Japan are ruled by governments, but working committees are often headed by Opposition members, as they are committed to point out mistakes of Government. This creates good balance, Kiriella added.

Accordingly, with the Speaker and the Leader of the House not affording the Chairmanship of the Finance Committee to Dr. De Silva, they hastened the moves that plunged the country into bankruptcy, Kiriella stated. (DA)