UNP violating party constitution - Dinesh

Sandasen MARASINGHE and Disna MUDALIGE

Water Supply and Drainage Minister and Chief Government Whip Dinesh Gunawardena yesterday questioned in Parliament as to how MP John Amaratunga makes statements on behalf of Opposition and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe when UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa is present in the chamber. He said this was a violation of the party constitution of the UNP.

Amaratunga stood up to raise a question under 23(2) of the Standing Orders on behalf of the Opposition Leader, since he was on an overseas tour. At that time, the Chief Government Whip disturbed the member and inquired about the matter.

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa informed the House that Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe had informed him, that MP Amaratunga would act on his behalf when he is out of the country.

At this point, Minister Gunawardena queried whether this does not signal that MP Amaratunga is the Deputy Leader of the party.

MP Amaratunga replying to the query said they would themselves solve their matters.