Tense situation in House as UNP MP extends speech

Sandasen Marasinghe, Irangika Range and Disna Mudalige

A tense situation erupted in Parliament yesterday, when UNP MP Palitha Range Bandara continued his speech obtaining more time from the Opposition side, without allowing Prime Minister D M Jayaratne to commence his speech at the time allocated for the Prime Minister according to the agenda. Chief Government Whip and Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena requested from Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody who was presiding at the time, not to allow other MPs to speak at the time alloted for the Prime Minister in the agenda.

The Chief Government Whip observed that when the Prime Minister is waiting to make his speech in the House, MP Range Bandara should not be permitted to extend his speech, adding that Opposition MPs always extend their speeches by obtaining more time as a habit. UNP MP Palitha Range Bandara commenced the debate on behalf of the Opposition at around 10 am at the committee stage of the budget when the finance heads of Defence and Urban Development were taken up. He was allocated 45 minutes.

At around 11.05 am, the Chief Government Whip raised a point of order saying that according to the traditions of the House when the Prime Minister is present in the House and prepared to speak at the time allocated for him, he should be allowed to speak.

"This member who is speaking now has spoken for more than 55 minutes though only 45 minutes is alloted for him in the official agenda.

"According to tradition the, Prime Minister should be allowed to speak as the Opposition member is using the time alloted to Prime Minister," he said.

At this stage Chief Opposition Whip John Amaratunga stated the committee stage debate was of the Opposition.

Range Bandara was using the time alloted for Opposition.

At this stage Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody stated some extra time was given to him on a request by Chief Opposition Whip and instructed him to wind up his speech within five minutes.