MP Vasudewa Nanayakkara stated that his group will not support any motion against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Speaking to media after a discussion with the 11 party MP group, Nanayakkara made this observation in response to the no-confidence motion tabled by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

Insisting that his party would not support such a resolution, the MP added that he does not expect other parties representing his group to support it either.

He went on saying that there is no need to table a motion against the President and that the prevailing crisis can be solved while he stays in Office.

Should the President’s powers be reduced, it can be done via the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, he added.

Commenting, MP Udaya Gammanpila stated that the crisis could be resolved by the resignation of the Prime Minister and the formation of a government in which all parties represent.

MIAP

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena today (04) has convened a special Party Leaders’ meeting prior to the Parliament sitting, reports said.

Accordingly, the Party Leaders’ meeting will be held at 09.15 am this morning and the vacant post of Deputy Speaker and the no-confidence motions are believed to be discussed there.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is also set to deliver a special statement in Parliament today.

MIAP

The Ceylon Private Owners Association has decided to dispatch free buses to those attending the anti-government protests. Accordingly, free buses will be provided at a maximum radius of 25 kilometres, said Union President Gemunu Wijeratne.

However, the relief will be provided only to those apolitical and no political party will be provided buses, he added.

MIAP

The details of the talks held with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to obtain its support to overcome the prevailing economic crisis in Sri Lanka are due to be tabled in Parliament today (04).

Accordingly, Finance Minister Ali Sabry is preparing to a make a ministerial brief on the matter in the Chambers.

A debate is also due to be held in this regard.

The appointment of a MP for the vacant post of Deputy Speaker is also said to be taken place today, making it possible to learn the power of the government and the opposition.

MIAP

Parliament is set to convene today (04) and the sitting would be very critical with regard to the country’s current political crisis, sources claimed.

This is mainly due to the no-confidence motion against the government handed over to the Speaker by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s reportedly confirmed announcement of his resignation due on being made.

Should the Prime Minister announce his resignation the entire Cabinet will automatically be revoked, leaving a non-existent government in the Chambers.

Meanwhile, heavy Police guard has been deployed around the Parliament premises since yesterday’s evening. Accordingly, Parliament is being heavily guarded with permanent road blocks made of iron pipes.

MIAP

Cabinet Spokesman Nalaka Godahewa yesterday (03) admitted that a portion of the US$ 01 billion Indian credit received for the importation of essential food items and medicines was allocated for the importation of industrial raw materials including steel.

Accordingly, US$ 260 million was allocated from the US$ 01 billion credit line to import industrial raw materials, the Minister acknowledged.

The Cabinet Spokesman made this observation in response to a query by a reporter at the Cabinet press briefing yesterday.

MIAP