Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva
2026-02-19
Dr. Harsha de Silva, speaking in his capacity as Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance, intervened under Standing Order 92 to defend the Minister's right to provide a full response to a complex, multi-part question posed by Hon. Ravi Karunanayake. He argued that, given the Committee's mandate to keep Parliament informed on national debt matters, the Minister should be given adequate time to answer comprehensively, and asserted that the Chair lacks the authority under Standing Orders to restrict the length of the Minister's reply.
Hon. Speaker, I rise under Standing Order 92. As Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance, I note Hon. Ravi Karunanayake asked a complex 10-part Question. Our Committee’s remit is to ensure Parliament is informed on the country’s debt. The Minister must be afforded time to answer comprehensively. The Chair has no authority under the Standing Orders to limit the Answer’s length.