Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has mooted holding a floor test when Parliament reconvenes on November 14 to give the two rival political camps, currently vying for legitimacy in office, a chance to display majority.
Issuing a statement after meeting representatives of all parties on Wednesday evening, Mr. Jayasuriya said that the government wanted the House adjourned soon after the President’s proclamation was read out. However other members of Parliament wanted a floor test in addition to the business of the day. After giving “a fair hearing to both sides”, Mr. Jayasuriya expressed the need for determining the majority, as earlier requested by 116 MPs in writing.
They had sought suspension of standing orders, after the conclusion of the day’s business, to allow for a show of strength in order to have a “stable government”. Such a course of action, the Speaker said, would help “restore the image of Sri Lanka”.