13 SLPP MPs decide to sit in Opposition

A group of 13 parliamentarians from Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has decided to sit independently on opposition benches in the parliament.

This was announced by SLPP MP Prof. G.L. Peiris during the parliamentary session which commenced at 9.30 a.m. this morning.

Accordingly, MPs Prof. G.L. Peiris, Dullas Alahapperuma, Prof. Channa Jayasumana, Prof. Charitha Herath, Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, Prof. Gunapala Rathnasekara, Dilan Perera, Udayana Kirindigoda, Wasantha Yapa Bandara, Upul Galappaththi, Thilak Rajapakshe, K.P.S. Kumarasiri and Lalith Ellawala will move to the opposition benches in the House.

Meanwhile, the debate on the interim budget speech is scheduled for today (Aug 31) and the day after (Sep 01) from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.

On September 02, the second reading of the interim budget speech will be debated from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., after which the Bill is slated to be passed after the committee stage and third reading.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies, presented the interim budget speech or the second reading of the Appropriation (Amendment) Bill to amend the Appropriation Act No. 30 of 2021 on Tuesday (Aug 30).