Members of the opposition in parliament today (21) questioned the absence of the Finance Minister in the House when several financial regulations were taken up for debate. Parliament today debates a notification under Excise Ordinance, 05 Orders under the Ports & Airports Development Levy Act, 06 Orders under the Special Commodity Levy Act, 03 Regulations under the Foreign Exchange Act, Order under the Foreign Exchange Act, Regulation under the Imports & Exports (Control) Act, and No. 1 of 1969. Whereas, this raised concern amongst many opposition members as Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Finance is currently not present during the morning session of Parliament sitting today. 'What is the point of even talking and asking questions related to Finances and the economy, if the Minister of Finance is not present today? Today we have convened parliament to discuss valuable decisions for the country, whereas the person who should be here is not present. The economy of the country has come to an unbelievable state, and decisions to slash down the overtime pay and travel allowances of government servants have been made, whereas the Minister of Finance is not here for debate. What is the point of this Government', said Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Kabir Hashim. In response to this concern, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) members had clarified that the Minister of Finance had an important meeting to attend to, and was informed prior about the convening of Parliament today.