๐ก๐๐ก๐ ๐ ๐ฃ๐ฆ ๐๐ฃ๐ฃ๐ข๐๐ก๐ง๐๐ ๐ง๐ข ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก ๐๐ข๐ ๐ ๐๐ง๐ง๐๐ ๐ข๐ก ๐ฆ๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ง๐ฆ ๐ง๐ข ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ข๐ก๐ง๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐๐๐๐ ย
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Moses Wetangโula has announced the appointment of nine Members to the Mediation Committee tasked with resolving disagreements over the Senate amendments to the Gambling Control Bill (National Assembly Bill No.70 of 2023). ย
This follows the Houseโs rejection of the Senateโs amendments on January 16th , 2025, prompting the mediation process as stipulated under Article 112 of the Constitution and Standing Order 149.ย
The Gambling Control Bill, 2023 which seeks to regulate the gaming industry and introduce stricter measures on licensing, taxation, and consumer protection, has been a subject of contention between the two Houses of Parliament. The rejection of Senate amendments necessitated the formation of a Mediation Committee to develop a consensus version that both Houses can pass.ย
While addressing the House on March 12th 2025, the Speaker underscored the importance of the Mediation Committee in ensuring that a harmonized version of the Bill is achieved.ย
โHonourable Members, in accordance with Article 113 of the Constitution, it is imperative that both Houses reach a consensus on this critical legislation. The Mediation Committee will play a key role in developing a version that balances regulatory integrity with industry growth,โ Dr. Wetangโula Speaker said.ย
Following consultations with the Leader of the Majority Party and the Leader of the Minority Party, the Speaker appointed the following Members to represent the National Assembly in the Mediation Committee:ย
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๐ป๐๐. (๐ถ๐๐ด) ๐พ๐ข๐๐๐ ๐พ๐๐๐๐๐ย
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๐ป๐๐. (๐ท๐.) ๐ฝ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐พ๐๐ ๐๐๐ย
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The National Assembly now awaits the Senateโs appointment of its representatives to complete the Mediation Committee. Once constituted, the Committee will begin deliberations to draft a harmonized version of the Bill for consideration by both Houses.ย
"Once I receive the Senateโs appointments, I will convey the same to the House so that the Committee can commence its work,โ Speaker Wetangโula stated.ย
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