The Opposition group in the Central Provincial Council (CPC) including the UNP members walked out of the Chamber yesterday protesting against the non inclusion of the Development (Special Provisions) Bill for debate at the CPC sessions.
They walked out during the special session called by the CPC on the subject of the Development (Special Provisions) Bill.
After the members left the Chamber, the Council took a vote on the Bill and 32 members opposed the Bill while four abstained from voting. The CPC was convened yesterday under the Chairmanship of L. D. Nimalasiri. Making a special stament, Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake said that the governing party was opposed to the Bill. However, Opposition Leader Renuka Herath said that they were not opposed to the Bill. But,it has to be taken up for debate. Then, there was a heated exchange of words between the two sides and the sessions were adjourned for 15 minutes for the Party Leaders Meeting. However, the Opposition members said the Bill should be taken up for debate before taking a vote. They protested that the calling for a vote without a debate was an undemocratic.
The vote was taken up and the draft bill was defeated by the Central Provincial Council with 32 voting against and four abstain.