Disagreements Over Adjournment Debate On President's Throne Speech: Party Leaders Settle For Debate On 18,19

An adjournment debate on the President's throne speech will be held in Parliament on May 19 and 20.

The President is scheduled to address the second session of the Ninth Parliament on the 18th of this month.

Leaders of the opposition parties informed the party leaders today (11) that they would continue to protest against the Speaker for not agreeing to hold a three day debate on the President's throne speech.

Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella and other opposition party leaders stated that the two hours were not enough for the adjournment debate.

They also asked for a full three or two days for the debate. However, Leader of the House Dinesh Gunawardena and Chief Government Whip Johnston Fernando did not agree to the opposition's request.

Opposition leaders say they do not approve of a two-hour debate instead of a three-day debate on issues raised by farmers, including the fertilizer issue.