Parliament split on what to call the Joint Opposition
Parliamentarians of all views gave their opinions on whether to accept the Joint Opposition as a separate group in Parliament.
UPFA MP Bandula Gunawardene denied that any divisions were being fostered within the SLFP by countering.
“We are becoming a strength surrounding the Sri Lanka Freedom Party in this journey against imperialism and the United National Party”. He claimed that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was giving leadership to a broad front of politicians against the present government including some SLFP members.
C.B. Ratnayake, also a parliamentarian of the UPFA accused Speaker of the House Karu Jayasuriya of being part of the “sinful act” of dividing his party and alliance claiming that “He always followed the evasive procedure.”
Dr. Wickramabahu Karunaratne, leader of Nawa Sama Samaja Party, went so far as to allege “There will be an allegation that the Speaker from the UNP divided the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. It will be an allegation that will make history”
Minister in charge of Local Governments and Provincial Councils, Faiszer Mustaph defended the Speaker against such attacks, “The Speaker is the chair and we must respect him. Our views do not matter. ” He elaborated by stating that the disturbances being caused in Parliament were unjustified as there was “no provisions in the Standing Order” .
Leader of the National Unity Front Azad Sally, was of the opinion that “The group of Mahinda’s apprentices” could be given the post of Opposition Leader if they resigned from parliament and contested the next election – provided they retained the numbers that they currently have.
UPFA MP Reginald Cooray summed up the dispute ” If this party continues to suffer internal splits, the final result would the victory for the opponents.”
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