JVP wants Bill streamlining subject allocations

by Ranil Wijayapala

A Parliamentary Act should be introduced to streamline the process of allocating Cabinet ministries and for the scientific allocation of subjects under the purview of such ministries, Leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and Chief Opposition Whip, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, said.

The allocation of subjects should be done in a scientifically accepted manner. The current allocation is done without any scientific method, Dissanayake said. “We urge the government to table such a Bill in the House to streamline the process or else, we will table a Bill as a Private Member’s Motion,” he added.

He said, the allocation of ministries and the subjects to the relevant ministries has been done in a ludicrous way. “The subject of Cultural Affairs and the Department of Immigration and Emigration has been given to the Minister in charge of Wayamba Development. How is it possible for the Minister of Wayamba Development to handle the subject of the Cultural Affairs and the Department of Immigration and Emigration together,” he queried.

Dissanayaka who was a speaker at a recent seminar in Colombo said the JVP urged the government to introduce special legislation to investigate frauds and corruption in a new and scientific manner.

“We will also bring a proposal calling for the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee to ensure voting rights of Sri Lankans living abroad,” he added.

The JVP Leader said these issues had to be addressed on a priority basis.