Sunday, 15th June 2014
Nine UPFA parliamentarians present motion:
by Uditha Kumarasinghe
Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody said that nine UPFA parliamentarians have presented a motion in Parliament that the UNHRC-sponsored investigation against Sri Lanka on the alleged human rights violations is detrimental to peace and reconciliation launched by the government and erodes Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, dignity and stature. A special Party Leader’s meeting at the parliamentary complex on Friday decided to hold a parliamentary debate on this motion on June 17 and 18.
According to the Standing Orders, any party could move for a division for a vote to be taken on this motion on June 18 at 6 pm, the Deputy Speaker told the Sunday Observer yesterday. The motion was signed by nine UPFA parliamentarians, Achala Jagodage, Malani Fonseka, Janaka Bandara, Udith Lokubandara, A.H.M. Azwer, Shantha Bandara, J.R.P. Suriyapperuma, Nimal Wijesinghe and R. Duminda Silva.
The Deputy Speaker said that the Members of Parliament could express their party or independent views during the debate on this motion.
The outcome of the debate will deliver a strong message to the world on Sri Lanka’s stand. Parliament which represents the people’s views should be in a position to discuss this and communicate to the world and the UNHRC, Sri Lanka’s stand on this matter. In the past too there had been many occasions where Parliament had expressed its stand by way of resolutions on various matters of national importance.
If Parliament opposes this international inquiry it reflects the people’s aspirations, he said.
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2014/06/15/pol01.asp
