Sajith demands MR’s resignation

• Insists that as MP Rajapaksa does not command majority he should step down and allow formation of govt. with confidence of P’ment

UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday charged MP Mahinda Rajapaksa and his supporters were forcefully occupying Government benches in Parliament and imitating a government even though the no-confidence motion voted on twice in Parliament showed that he did not have majority in the House and demanded their resignations. 

Demanding the lawful resignations of UPFA lawmakers trying to establish an unconstitutional government, MP Premadasa held that the UNF was able to prove its majority in Parliament yet again to nominate members to the Committee of Selection.

Addressing media yesterday at the parliamentary complex, MP Premadasa stressed on the importance of democracy and rule of law to end the constitutional crisis that has dragged on for almost a month, which he insisted was started with the illegal appointment of MP Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister. 

“This is nothing but treason. We were able to show the world the 121 support in Parliament. So manning such a majority we are unable to provide them the opportunity to enjoy a majority in the respective committees. The members of the UPFA who kept away from votes approve of fighting in Parliament,” said MP Premadasa.

Premadasa also pointed out the potential economic challenges before Sri Lanka if the current political turmoil were to continue: “We are on the verge of losing the GSP plus benefits. We have lost some assistance scheduled for Sri Lanka. At the end of the day, people will suffer from this chaos.”

Meanwhile, UNP MP Dr. Rajitha Senaratne sought public support to rise against what he termed as the unconstitutional moves of President Sirisena and to bring in a stable government. 

“The alleged Government of the UPFA has now reached a difficult situation. They are nothing but a bunch of thieves gathered inside the President’s house. We never imagined having such a President in this country. We will broaden our alliance and will contest a future election under a different logo and coalition,” added Dr. Senaratne. (AH)