NO QUORUM BRINGS EARLY END TO NYT DEBATE

At least 20 members had to be present for a debate to continue as per the standing orders but there were only eight members present in the chambers at the time the sessions were adjourned.

Joint Opposition MP Indika Anuruddha called for a quorum around 6.45pm last evening stating that there are insufficient members present for the debate to continue. Presiding member Hesha Vithanage then ordered that quorum bell to be rung.

However, only eight members were present even after the bell was sounded. Therefore, the sessions ended 45 minutes earlier than the scheduled time. House was adjourned at 7.30 pm.

This was the second time the quorum bell was rung as it was done earlier during the day to get the sufficient number of members to come into the chambers. Prominent members from both sides were absent from yesterday’s debate.

This included former President Mahinda Rajapaksa against whom an allegation of accepting cash from the Chinese company which constructed the Hambantota Harbour, Namal Rajapaksa, Chamal Rajapaksa, Dinesh Gunawardene from the Opposition and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella, Chief Government Whip Gayantha Karunatilleke, Minister Mangala Samaraweera from the government.

Non-participation of all SLFP Ministers was another notable feature.

However, the MPS who spoke from both sides made allegations against each other.