Parliament to convene at 1.00 pm today

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The parliament will convene at 1.00 pm today (November 19) following Speaker Karu Jayasuriya's decision to adjourn parliament last Friday (November 16) due to the turmoil that had erupted during the parliamentary proceedings. The speaker has also assigned an independent committee to evaluate actions that could be taken against MPs who had acted in an unruly manner in parliament.  Serjeant - at- arms Narendra Fernando noted that measures have been taken to beef up security both in and out of the chamber. Meanwhile,  Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, Opposition leader R. Sambandan and several other representatives of various parties were present at the all-party conference yesterday (November 18)while Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and the JVP had decided to boycott the meeting. The conference lasted for almost two hours with the President urging that the majority be shown either by name or electronic vote in order for him to accept the no-confidence motion. The President added that this was essential to win the confidence of the public as well as the international community.  President Sirisena explaining the reason for his decision had stated that conducting a vote by voice, although accepted according to standing orders, does not provide a transparent outcome especially in relation to a matter as serious as a change in government. Meanwhile, our correspondent stated that several meetings are scheduled to be held by the MPs of the ruling party, the members of the United National Party, JVP, and other parties within the parliamentary premises this morning (November 19).