The first meeting of the Committee on Public Petitions for the first session of the Tenth Parliament was held in Parliament on Jan. 23rd.
Accordingly, the Chair was elected to the Committee in accordance with the provisions set out in Standing Orders 130 (1) of Parliament.
MP R.M. Gamini Ratnayake was proposed as the Chair of the Committee by MP Manoj Rajapaksa and seconded by MP Ajith Gihan. As no other name was proposed, it was announced that MP R.M. Gamini Ratnayake was elected as the Chair of the Committee on Public Petitions. He then chaired the meeting and expressed his gratitude to all the members present for electing him as the Chair.
Accordingly, the Committee focused its attention on how to expedite the petition investigation process to provide relief to petitioners in the future.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma was elected as the new Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means of Parliament when the Committee met for the first session of the Tenth Parliament on Jan. 24th.
His name was proposed and seconded by MPs Ruwan Mapalagama and Champika Hettiarachchi respectively. Addressing the gathering, the New Chair said that he hopes to continue the work of the committee successfully and expects the support of all members, including officers in regard. The Chair further stated that the committee will do its utmost to fulfill the aspirations of the people of the country.
Meanwhile, the Committee on Ethics and Privileges also met for the first time in Parliament on Jan. 24th. During the meeting, Minister Chrishantha Abeysena was elected as the new Chair of the Committee on Ethics and Privileges for the first session of the Tenth Parliament. His name was proposed and seconded by MPs Thushari Jayasinghe and Krishnan Kalaichelvi respectively.