UNP thwarts Azwer’s attempt to raise question

The main opposition United National Party (UNP) yesterday thwarted an attempt by Government MP A.H.M. Azwer to raise a question on behalf of UNP MP Rosy Senanayake in her absence.

Whenever an MP was absent to raise his or her question placed on the Order Paper, another member of his or her party could ask it. Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody, who was in the chair at the time, asked Ms. Senanayake to raise the question, but she was absent. At that moment, Chief Opposition Whip John Amaratunga said the party would not raise that question in her absence.

However, MP Azwer attempted to ask that question directed at Foreign Employment Promotion Minister Dilan

Whenever an MP was absent to raise his or her question placed on the Order Paper, another member of his or her party could ask it

Perera. Ms. Senanayake, in her question, had sought details about the Korean language test conducted for those seeking employment in South Korea. The UNP opposed the attempt, but the Deputy Speaker said any member could raise the question on behalf of the absent MP. UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe intervened at that moment and said only the MP, who posed the question, could rise on his or her feet and ask whenever the Speaker called for it. He said any other MP could only raise supplementary questions based on the answer given.