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Parliamentary proceedings: PM calls for expansion of media coverage

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday called for expanded media coverage of Parliamentary proceedings, urging Members on both sides to seriously consider giving the go-ahead for live television broadcasts of sittings from next year.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, speaking at the very end of the proceedings for 2002, also suggested that consultative committee meetings be opened for the press to give the public a better idea of the work done by Parliament for their benefit.

The Prime Minister said live telecasts and broadcasts should be considered after assessing costs and the importance of debates.

He said the present Parliament was "historic", having passed two Budgets in the same year. The first Budget was presented in a scenario of negative growth. Now the government has managed to turn the economy around.

"This Parliament also passed many important pieces of legislation. It took many important measures. There were many important debates on major issues. I made special statements on a number of issues including the peace process," the Premier said.

He said Members on both sides were involved constructively in the work of the House, though there were disagreements on various issues. "The House has strengthened itself during this year. We must further strengthen it. Facilities for MPs will have to be increased. Their decentralised budget has already been increased. We will ensure that all MPs can participate actively in the country's development."

Observing that many important decisions have been made in the House this year, the Prime Minister told the Members that more significant pieces of legislation would be presented next year. All Members will have a major role to play in this endeavour.

Earlier, Speaker Joshep Michael Perera commended Members of both sides for their valuable contribution towards conducting productive and useful debates in Parliament throughout the year.

Leader of the House W.J.M. Lokubandara said everyone can be happy as both sides of Parliament have worked amicably compared to other Parliaments in the region.

Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapakse too joined the Leader of the House wishing a happy new year for all the Members and having a worthy debate preserving democratic values. 

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