2026-02-19 / Debate (Continued): Judicature (Amendment) Bill and Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill - Committee and Third Reading 2026-02-19
Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe criticised the conduct of a group of Opposition MPs, alleging they have been misusing procedural time slots—particularly the period from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. reserved for preliminary business such as announcements, tabling of papers, and questions—to cause deliberate disruptions before the main legislative agenda begins. He argued this abuse of Standing Orders undermines Parliament's primary function of lawmaking and disrespects public expectations of the institution. Despite the Government holding a two-thirds majority, he stated restraint had been exercised for over a year, but called on the Opposition to improve its conduct, noting that Opposition benches were frequently empty and that disruptions had extended to heckling Members and obstructing the Speaker. He invited members of the public to observe proceedings from the galleries as evidence of the conduct he described.
Today’s debate has seen valid points from both Government and some Opposition Members, and the Deputy Minister will summarize. I wish to address recent Opposition conduct. Politically adrift, a group of Opposition MPs have been misusing the first two hours (9.30–11.30 a.m.), especially during time set aside for other business, to pursue narrow personal agendas—abusing Parliamentary procedure. I invite the public to observe from the galleries; it is a lamentable spectacle.
Parliament’s primary function—serving the public by making and amending laws—is led by the Government’s programme, while other business (Speaker’s announcements, laying of papers, Committee reports, public petitions) and Question Time (including Oral Questions and SO 27(2) matters) follow. These Members abuse those slots to engineer disruptions before the main business begins, derailing time management set by Standing Orders.
Despite a two-thirds Government, we have shown restraint for over a year, but a handful in the Opposition persist—often targeting the Leader of the House and even obstructing the Speaker, heckling Members as they speak. The Opposition benches are often empty—a desolate sight save for whoever is next to speak.
Every action has an opposite reaction. Parliament must proceed peacefully to meet public expectations and make the necessary laws. I urge the Opposition to learn and conduct themselves accordingly. I conclude my remarks.
Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member.