by Kesara Abeywardena
The 19th Amendment to the Constitution was presented to Parliament by the Leader of the House W. J. M. Lokubandara on Thursday amidst jeers from the Opposition about a delay caused due to "Rahu Kalaya" (inauspicious time).

Although the government benches were almost full in the morning with the expectation that the controversial bill will be presented, it was not to be as the condolence motions received priority. According to parliament procedure other business of the day should be taken after the condolence votes.

However the Opposition MPs dragged on with condolence speeches knowing that "Rahu Kulaya" was from 12.01 p.m. to 3.31 p.m. and the government would not present the bill at adjournment during this inauspicious time. PA, MP Athauda Seneviratna spoke for about 45 minutes and PA, MP Wijithamuni Soysa spoke for more than half an hour.

But Speaker Joseph Michael Perera concluded condolence votes for the day at 3.15 p.m. and House Leader W. J. M. Lokubandara grabbed this opportunity and presented the 19th Amendment.

Later Minister Lokubandara said that they presented the bill at the most auspicious time of the day.

The 19th Amendment to the constitution envisages to curb presidential power to dissolve parliament after one year of an election. The bill also provides provisions to allow MPs a conscience vote on the bill without getting unseated.