“No MPs to raise the questions and no ministers to respond,” the Speaker said when it was found at the Second Round of the questions that 13 out of 15 MPs who had been listed to raise questions were not present in the House.

Chief Government Whip Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena had responded on behalf of the absent ministers to questions listed in the Order Paper for the day and asked for additional time to provide responses to some questions.

Of the Ministers listed to respond to MPs questions, only Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena was present, but the MP to question him was UNP’s Anoma Gamage was absent. Thus, the Education Minister tabled his reply.

Later Leader of the House Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva arrived in the chamber and tabled a response for a question listed to be asked from him. (Special Reporter/HC)