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| Saturday, 13 December 2003 |
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| Fernandopulle suggests changes to Consultative Committees by our Parliamentary Correspondent PA MP Jeyaraj Fernandopulle yesterday suggested that Parliamentary Standing Orders be amended to enable the members of each Consultative Committee to elect a chairman for such committees. He said at present only the Minister or Deputy Minister of a Particular Ministry can perform as the Chairman of the concerned Consultative Committee. Raising a Point of Order at the commencement of sittings in Parliament yesterday, Fernandopulle said there is a dispute over a functioning of Consultative Committees for three Ministries namely Defence, Interior and Media. "The President has taken over these three Ministries and there are no Deputy Ministers for these Ministries, there is a problem in functioning Consultative Committees for these Ministries," the Member stressed. He also maintained the position that even Consultative Committees cannot be constituted for these three ministries as there are no Deputy Ministers for those Ministries. Referring to this, Speaker Joseph Michael Perera said it is the responsibility of the President to appoint Deputy Ministers. "Moreover, the President herself can attend the Consultative Committees. Fernandopulle remarked to this saying that the Speaker has no power to summon the President. While admitting the point raised by Fernandopulle, the Speaker said although he has no power to summon the President, he can summon any Minister concerned. Parliamentary Affairs Minister A. H. M. Azwer stressed the Parliament is guided by standing orders and Parliament must be allowed to function properly under the Speaker. Leader of the House and Minister W. J. M. Lokubandara said the particular matter was discussed at the Party Leader's meeting too. Chief Government Whip and Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said this is a big issue and requested a party leaders meeting in order to impress upon who ever responsible to take remedial action. |
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