Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena's proposal to establish a 'National Council' was passed in Parliament on 20.09.2022 without a division. The 'National Council' will be constituted to represent all the parties representing the Ninth Parliament from the recognized political parties of Sri Lanka.
The consensus was obtained at three rounds of discussions under the leadership of the Prime Minister held at the Parliament complex with the participation of all party representatives and after much deliberation, the agreement of all parties was obtained.
Presenting this proposal to Parliament on 20.09.2022, the Prime Minister explained the authority and general responsibilities of the 'National Council'.
Setting of common priorities in Parliament to guide short, medium, and long-term national policy-making is one of those responsibilities.
Another responsibility is to agree on short-term programmes related to economic stabilization.
It is also responsible with organizing activities for special meetings attended by the Cabinet of Ministers, Chairpersons of National Council and Special Committees and Youth Observers of Youth Organizations.
The 'National Council' also has the authority to summon reports from the Sectoral Monitoring Committees, the Committee on Government Finance, the Committee on Government Accounts, the Committee on Public Enterprises and any committee that controls the government's finances.
According to the proposal it will be chaired by the Speaker and not more than thirty-five (35) Members of Parliament representing the Ninth Parliament from the recognized political parties of Sri Lanka including the Prime Minister, the Leader of the House of Parliament, the Leader of the Opposition and the Chief Government whip will be the members to this council.