Uproar in WPC over Gammanpila's interview

Chaminda Perera

Western Provincial Minister Udaya Gammanpila yesterday dared the Opposition to bring a no confidence motion against him, if as it claims he has violated the Council's Constitution by giving an interview to a Sinhala Daily against the Provincial Council system. He said that he is of the view that the Provincial Council system should be abolished and he is prepared to face any no confidence motion by the Opposition.

There was an uproar in chamber as government and opposition councilors engaged in heated argument on the views of Gammanpila. Replying to a privilege matter raised by UNP Provincial Councillor Mujibar Rahuman at the outset of sittings, Gammanpila said that four political parties have expressed their opposition to the Provincial Council System and these parties have

also expressed their opinion on why they still stick to the system.

UNP Councillor Rahuman said that Minister Gammanpila has opposed this system while enjoying all privileges accruing from the system as a minister. Rahuman said that the provincial minister who was sworn before the Governor to protect the Provincial Council System has said in the interview that this system should be abolished. He said his statement has breached the confidence of the Council.

However, UNP provincial Councillor Srinath Mahendra Perera was of the opinion that the Provincial Council System should be abolished.