Non-confrontational attitude not a weakness, Chief Govt Whip tells JVP

KOTTE: Chief Government Whip and Highways and Road Development Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle told Parliament yesterday that the Government's non-confrontational attitude towards the JVP should not be considered a weakness.

"We do not want to go in for a debate on some of the issues raised by the JVP. This is by no means a weakness," he said.

He said the Government clashed with the UNP on many issues but not with the JVP. He was responding to an interim question raised by JVP MP Bimal Ratnayake after Parliamentary Affairs Minister M.H. Mohamed answered a question raised by JVP MP R. Ranaweera.

The question was on two vehicles belonging to the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry which had not been handed over yet by those who had used them earlier.

MP Ratnayake said the Secretary of a Ministry should be responsible for missing vehicles.

Minister Fernandopulle said there was nothing illegal in this case as the previous minister can continue to use the vehicle until he or she is given a new vehicle under normal regulations. There is a circular to this effect.

JVP MP: Can we have that circular ?

Minister Fernandopulle: We do not bring circulars in our pockets. There is nothing unlawful here.

MP Ratnayake: What I said is not covered by the circular. You cannot use Government property as you please.

Minister Fernandopulle: We do not want to go on a collision course with you. It is not a weakness.