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Non-stop sittings: Where are the bills?
By Dilrukshi Handunnetti
Despite government moves to have parliamentary sittings throughout next month to pass 37 bills, including bills relating to media reforms, parliamentary sources claimed that only two items had been listed so far as government business.

They said the other bills had not come from the Legal Draughtsman's office to be included in the Order Book as yet and it was unlikely there would be non-stop sittings next month as announced by the government.

JVP group leader Wimal Weerawansa said that despite the government's pledges to urgently present the bills, the chief government whip at the party leaders' meeting on Thursday had admitted the bills were not ready.

Meanwhile, House Leader W.J.M. Lokubandara said the opposition that clamoured for the no-confidence motion against Interior Minister John Amaratunga was showing little interest in getting an early date for the debate, despite the government having agreed to a four-day debate.

Notice of a no-faith motion was given to the Speaker on Thursday. It claims that there has been a sharp decline in the law and order situation since the UNF assumed office.

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