Rajapaksa fires salvo at dissenting trio

• Cites Justice Mark Fernando judgment on Lalith and Gamini during Premadasa era over Wimal, Vasu and Udaya litigation against Yugadanawi deal
• Says Cabinet members bear collective responsibility and any litigation can be pursued after quitting Cabinet
• Welcomes constructive criticism but stresses importance of team work

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday fired a salvo at Ministers Wimal Weerawansa, Vasudeva Nanayakkara and Udaya Gammanpila over their litigation against the Government’s agreement with US firm New Fortress Energy on Yugadanawei Power Plant.

During a luncheon with a select group of editors, Rajapaksa said the Cabinet of Ministers bear collective responsibility, and whilst he welcomes constructive criticism it was important for everyone in the Cabinet to remember team work.

He also recalled the judgment by Justice Mark Fernando on a case involving the late Lalith Athulathmudali and Gamini Dissanayake against the then President Ranasinghe Premadasa.

Rajapaksa stressed that whilst bearing collective responsibility, any member intending to legally challenge a decision must first quit the Cabinet to do so.