News
UPFA turncoats: PM urges UNP backbenchers to hold their fire until he meets President
View(s):Prime Minister and United National Party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has told his party’s backbenchers that he will take up with President Maithripala Sirisena their call to move a no-confidence motion against 16 UPFA members who, while remaining in the Government, voted for the no-faith motion against the premier.
The backbenchers made the request during a joint meeting of the UNP Parliamentary Group and the Working Committee at Temple Trees yesterday.
Premier Wickremesinghe wanted the members to hold back their plans until the meeting with the President takes place. The MPs pointed out that it was unethical for the 18 UPFA members to remain in the Government after declaring they had no confidence in the Prime Minister and the Government. The backbenchers said they were also opposed to six cabinet ministers sitting at cabinet meetings after they voted in favour of the no-faith motion.
On Friday, Premier Wickremesinghe had asked UNP MPs Mujibar Rahman and Ashu Marasinghe to withdraw the no confidence motion they had handed over to speaker Karu Jayasuriya against six cabinet ministers and the Deputy Speaker. The Prime Minister yesterday explained that he instructed the withdrawal of the motions as the party had not taken a final decision to submit the motions.
At the joint meeting yesterday, it was also decided that Mr Wickremesinghe should continue as both Prime Minister and UNP leader. Eleven members were selected by individual vote to form a committee that will recommend party reforms. This is whilst their leader is expected to name key office bearers. Their current term expires on April 29.