NPP backs Speaker, for now
- Will reconsider position if probes substantiate allegations
- 44 Opposition MPs submit no-confidence motion against Speaker
- Motion cites alleged violations of laws, parliamentary rules, Constitution
The governing National People’s Power (NPP) will support Speaker of Parliament Dr Jagath Wickramaratne in the no-confidence motion (NCM) brought against him by the Opposition, but may reconsider its position if investigations produce reports substantiating the allegations, NPP General Secretary and Government MP Dr Nihal Abeysinghe said.Speaking to The Daily Morning, he said institutions were in place to investigate the allegations and that the NPP would discuss its position if their findings provided reasonable grounds to establish the claims.“If they come up with reasonable reports to establish these allegations, then we will discuss and make a decision. Otherwise, just because the Opposition comes up with allegations, we won’t let the Speaker down at this point,” he said.Abeysinghe said the NPP had not discussed the matter internally and would state its position when the motion was taken up for debate in Parliament.
“We haven’t discussed it among ourselves. When it comes to Parliament, there will be a debate, then our side will represent our position,” he said.Asked whether the NPP would support the Speaker, he replied: “Certainly. Why not? These are all allegations. We will see how these allegations can be proved. When there are just allegations, we really should not be disturbed by those.”The remarks follow the submission of an NCM against Dr Wickramaratne by 44 Opposition MPs representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, the New Democratic Front and independent groups. The motion was handed over to Parliament Secretary-General, attorney Kushani Rohanadeera, on 9 October.The NCM cites alleged violations of the Constitution, the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023, the Offences Against Public Property Act, the Penal Code, the Right to Information Act, the Code of Conduct for MPs and Parliament’s Standing Orders.
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