Archives

by Jayantha Sri Nissanka

The UNP yesterday handed over the No Confidence Motion against the Government to Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Priyani Wijesekara at the auspicious time of 2.32 pm, party sources told the Daily News.

The motion was handed over by UNP MPs Tyronne Fernando, John Amaratunga and Mahinda Samarasinghe.

Though speculations earlier predicted that the motion would carry more than 90 signatures, it only contained the signatures of five senior UNPers viz Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya, Assistant Leader Gamini Atukorale, Opposition Chief Whip W.J.M. Lokubandara and Deputy Chief Whip Tyronne Fernando.

The Motion stated that the Government is unable to handle the pressing problems in the country and hence it does not have the confidence of the Members of the House.

When asked for the reason to contain only five signatories, a senior UNPer said that it takes time to collect the signatures of all MPs in the Opposition. "We have to give five working days-notice to take up the Motion. We want the Motion to be debated on next Parliamentary day of October 9," he added.

Meanwhile, UNP MP and Deputy Whip Mahinda Samarasinghe had handed over another No Confidence Motion on August 31 which contained only his signature. "If the House fails to take up yesterday's No Confidence Motion on October 9, the UNP plans to demand that Mr. Samarasinghe's Motion be debated on October 9."

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager