The Office for Reparations Bill was passed in Parliament yesterday, with a majority of 16 votes.It received 59 votes in favour, while 43 votes against, following a division called by the Joint Opposition. The UNP, SLFP members in the Government and the TNA voted in favour of the Bill. The JVP MPs were absent. The Joint Opposition together with the ‘SLFP Group of 15,’ voted against.
The Bill was moved for debate by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Foreign Affairs Minister Thilak Marapone moved further amendments to the Bill at the end of the debate.
