No-confidence motion against Health Minister defeated with majority in Parliament

The no-confidence motion tabled against Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella was defeated in Parliament with a majority of 40 votes yesterday.

Following the three-day debate, a division was called in Parliament, with 113 parliamentarians voting against the motion and 73 voting in favour.

On 21 July, the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara and MP Kavinda Jayawardena handed up a motion of no confidence against the Health Minister, which had 45 signatures, to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena. 

The motion was moved in response to the alleged irresponsible importation of substandard drugs and surgical equipment, which affected the healthcare system and led to the deaths of numerous patients obtaining treatment at public hospitals. 

The main opposition claims that the Government continues to bring in poor-quality pharmaceuticals and surgical supplies without following the proper procurement and registration procedures, alleging a state of emergency.