Archives

Motion to probe of migrant workers approved

Parliament yesterday approved a motion moved by Minister of Employment and Labour Mahinda Samarasinghe to set up a select committee to investigate and report on the difficulties faced by the Sri Lankans employed abroad.

The motion was approved amidst protest by the JVP members who claimed that they were the first to present this motion as far back as February.

Minister Samarasinghe said even though the JVP presented this motion, they had not moved the motion for months. "I got Cabinet approval for this in June and this is for the benefit of Lankans working abroad. Therefore, without trying to take credit, you must support this. You can also contribute to this at Select Committee discussions."

Earlier, PA MP Jeyaraj Fernandopulle raising a point of order drew the attention of the Chair that the motion cannot be moved when a similar motion had been presented on the same subject.

However, Minister Samarasinghe said this is not the same motion. "Why did not you move your motion for months ?," he asked.

Later, Deputy Chairman of Committees Siri Andrahennady ruled out the Point of Order raised by PA MP Fernandopulle and allowed Minister Samarasinghe to move the motion. 

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager