Opposition representatives noted at a media briefing convened on Monday, June 08 that they would exert pressure to ensure the No Confidence Motion against the Prime Minister, is taken up for debate in Parliament.
Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala de Silva stated that the No Confidence Motion against Ranil Wickremesinghe has been submitted, but it is yet to be included in the agenda. As per Parliament operations, it takes about five to six days to be included in the agenda.
He went on to note that the UPFA group meeting will be held on Tuesday under the auspices of President Sirisena and extensive discussions will beheld on the No Confidence Motion, the 20th Amendment and the time-frame in which these will be presented.
SLFP National Organiser Susil Premajayantha stated that while 112 of the 225 MPs have signed the motion, two of the MPs who signed are in hospital. Another two are in remand custody and their signatures were not obtained. No MP can say that signatures were forged. No one can say that signatures were forged.
Leader of the National Freedom Front MP Wimal Weerawansa stated that power characters in the government are calling up certain MPs. They are promising ministerial positions and are asking them to withdraw via an affidavit.
He went on to note that an MP from the Puttalam District is being imposed upon and is being told that he will be given a ministerial position and a nomination. If they think that we cannot do this, then all we can do is take the sword and set a date for the battle.
UPFA Western Provincial Councilor Udaya Gammanpila stated that even if it is 108, 112 or 20 signatures – it would be sufficient for the No Confidence Motion.
He added that instead of squabbling over how many signatures there are, there should be a debate held immediately on the No Confidence Motion and they will show how to send the Prime Minister home.