Harsha says no need for JO to get involved in UNP restructuring

Monday, 19 March 2018 01:49 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Insists most UNPers support restructuring effort, PM part of ongoing discussions
Dismisses connection between internal UNP reforms and JO’s proposed no confidence motion on PM Wickremesinghe

State Minister for National Policies and Economic Affairs Dr. Harsha de Silva yesterday dented Joint Opposition enthusiasm saying the latter need not get involved in UNP restructuring and dismissed any connection between it and the proposed no-confidence motion on Prime Minister and party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Following efforts by the party to approach the restructuring of the UNP, almost all prominent members had agreed on the reorganisation of the party, Dr. Harsha de Silva said.

Dr. De Silva said this at the opening of the Janaliya Self-employment project in Kotte last morning.

“Party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is also currently discussing the reorganisation of the party, “ he said.

Harsha..

“A no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister had nothing to do with the reorganisation of the UNP and Joint Opposition MPs should not get involved in it,” he added, responding to a statement made by some Joint Opposition MPs who have said some UNPers were also supporting the motion against the Prime Minister.

He also stated that he and state ministers Ajith P. Perera and Eran Wickramaratne had joined JHU leader Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka to fight for the enactment of the Judicature Bill.

“People wanted us to put robbers behind bars and that is why this legislation has to be passed,” he said, while stating that a number of petitions had been filed in favour of the bill.

Asked about the move by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to oppose the bill, Dr. De Silva said no robber would back the bill.

“Which robber will back the Judicature Bill?” he asked.

Furthermore, he said the request made by Buddhist monks that the bill should be enacted soon should be heeded.