SLPP wants P’ment dissolved immediately

 MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena and Prof. G.L. Peiris speak during the press briefing at Sri Lanka Podujana Party head office yesterday 

– Pic by Chamila Karunarathne 

• Argues Parliamentary Polls essential to deliver President Rajapaksa’s pledges 
• Says mandate to hold immediate General Election given at presidential vote 
• Faults UNP for failing to support SLPP wish  

By Nuwan Senarathna

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) yesterday expressed their desire for Parliament to be dissolved immediately calling for all lawmakers to back the move, which needs a two-thirds majority, insisting a General Election is the need of the hour for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to form a strong Government.

Speaking to media at the SLPP head office, Chairman Prof. G.L. Peiris said a fresh Government with a clear majority is essential to enable President Rajapaksa to act more independently and fast-track the implementation of his manifesto. 

If Rajapaksa had a clear majority in Parliament Prof. Peiris insisted that will help the President to pass necessary laws that will fast-track development projects and meet the expectations of voters. 

“President Rajapaksa was given a mandate by the people, therefore holding an election will enable the people to elect a new Government, which help the President to work according to the peoples’ mandate,” Prof. Peiris argued.

He contended a strong Government is needed to pass the Budget for 2020 to allocate funds for new development projects and implement the policies outlined in the manifesto. According to Prof. Peiris, the existing Vote on Account (VoA) was insufficient as it does not have enough space to accommodate the necessary capital expenditure to fast-track development projects. He insisted a new Budget was needed for these purposes. Prof. Peiris argued the Constitution has provisions to dissolve Parliament early provided it is voted for by two-thirds of parliamentarians.  

Prof. Peiris faulted the United National Party (UNP) for not agreeing to dissolve Parliament and stressed all parliamentarians should respect the people’s mandate given the President Rajapaksa.

“The UNP should agree to dissolve Parliament and support to pass the proposal with a two-thirds majority. If they refuse to dissolve Parliament that means they do not want to give up power. They should respect the mandate that was given by the people to President Rajapaksa.”

Prof. Peiris noted the new Cabinet would deliver President Rajapaksa’s promises despite the existence of a minority Government.