The first parliamentary sitting of 2024 commenced t 9:30 a.m.

this morning (Jan.09), presided over by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.Accordingly, the Parliament is scheduled to meet from January 09 - 12, as per a decision made by the Committee on Parliamentary Business on 12 December 2023.The schedule of the first Parliamentary sitting for this year is as follows:09 January09:30 a.m.

– 10:30 a.m.: Questions for Oral Answers10:30 a.m.

– 05:00 p.m.: The Office for National Unity and Reconciliation Bill (Second Reading), the National Hydrographic Bill (Second Reading), Regulations under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act published under the Gazette No.

2355/30, Regulations under the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka Law published under the Gazette Extraordinary No.

2334/39 have been scheduled to be taken up for debate.

Immediately after, the Second Reading of the following Incorporation Bills; Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers of Sri Lanka and Chiththa Advanced Psychological Studies Open Institute of Sri Lanka have been scheduled05:00 p.m.

– 05:30 p.m.: The Motion at the Adjournment Time by the Government will be taken up10 January09:30 a.m.

– 10:30 a.m.: Time has been allotted for 04 Questions to be asked from the Prime Minister.

Thereafter, time has been allotted for 05 Questions for Oral Answers 10:30 a.m.

– 05:00 p.m.: The debate on the Contempt of a Court, Tribunal or Institution Bill (Second Reading) which was previously adjourned on 08 November 2023 will be taken up for the second consecutive day, while the Second Reading of the Recognition and Enforcement of International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation Bill, Mediation Board (Amendment) Bill, Powers of Attorney (Amendment) Bill, Notaries (Amendment) Bill and the Prevention of Frauds (Amendment) Bill will also be taken up for consideration05:00 p.m.

– 05:30 p.m.: Two Questions at the Adjournment Time will be taken up 11 January09:30 a.m.

– 10:30 a.m.: Time has been allotted for Questions for Oral Answers10:30 a.m.

– 05:00 p.m.: The Adjournment Debate to be moved by the Opposition will be taken up12 January09:30 a.m.

– 10:30 a.m.: Time has been allotted for Questions for Oral Answers10:30 a.m.

– 05:00 p.m.: Time has been allotted for Private Members’ Motions and the following Motions will be taken up for debate.

Accordingly, Ensuring welfare for migrant workers by Chaminda Wijesiri, Strict regulation of microfinance institutions and leasing companies by Kokila Gunawardene, Educating the public on the nutritious value of traditional, local rice varieties by Buddhika Pahthirana, Establishment of Tea small holding system in place of Tea Industry by  Velu Kuma and Issuance of a circular outlining the methodology to be followed in school development activities by Sagara Kariyawasam will be taken up05:00 p.m.

– 05:30 p.m.: Two Questions at the Adjournment Time will be taken up thereafter