SJB, Ranil call for debate on economic situation, IMF report

The Opposition yesterday (9) requested two Parliamentary debates regarding the economic crisis suffered by the country.

One of the requests was made by former Prime Minister MP Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Wickremesinghe requested the government to hold a debate on the report that would be submitted by the International Monetary Fund following its meeting with the Sri Lankan delegate on the country’s economic crisis.

“As per the regulations followed by the IMF, it will submit a report on the discussions held in three weeks. Accordingly we will be able to hold a debate on the IMF’s report in March and thus I would like to make a request from the government for a date to schedule the date.” MP Wickremesinghe said.

Following the request made by MP Wickremesinghe, Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Lakshman Kiriella rose to point out that the SJB has requested a two day debate on the country’s financial situation at the next Parliamentary sitting.

The Finance Minister has not provided any explanation on the financial situation of the country, Kiriella alleged. He said that the power on public finance is in the hands of the House and not providing clear details on the financial situation of the country is a major issue.

Deputy Speaker Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said that both requests shall be taken up at the Party Leaders’ meeting. The Leader of the House Dinesh Gunawardena said that the request for a debate on the IMF’s report shall be considered at the next Party Leaders’ meeting.