Chairman of the Constitutional Assembly, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya yesterday announced that he had decided to extend the duration of the debate on interim report of the steering committee due to the demand from a large number of MP’s for additional time to express their views.
The assembly had previously allocated three days October 30, 31 and November 1 for the debate. The Speaker has extended the time by one day and accordingly, the Constitutional Assembly will continue the debate Thursday as well.
Another day in the next week before the budget presentation will also be allocated, the Speaker’s office said. The Budget will be presented in parliament on November 9.
During the first three days of the debate many important ideas were presented to the Assembly on the proposed constitution drawing broad attention of the media.
There is a strong interest in all party members, both government and Opposition, to express their views during this debate and in the last two days, several MP’s have asked the speaker for an adequate time to speak.
Some Opposition MP’s have complained that they had not been given time to participate in the debate and some others said time allocated for them was not sufficient.
Speaker Jayasuriya appreciating the interest of every MP pointed out that it was the duty of the MPs to actively participate when a crucial point for the country is being debated to express their views and assured to allocate the time for every MP to speak.
