Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said the outcome of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) sponsored No Confidence Motion (NCM) against Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila would clearly show the incapability of the main Opposition, SJB and the political stability of the Government. If an NCM is moved against a Government Minister, it is the responsibility of all Government lawmakers to defeat it in Parliament. If there are any issues within the Government, “We will sort it out at the Government Parliamentary Group meetings,” the Minister told the Sunday Observer yesterday.
He said the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) is a well-disciplined political party. “As a Government, we should be with the President and the Prime Minister when they take some stance regarding an issue.”
Minister Ranatunga said the main Opposition SJB and certain sections attempted to show that the recent letter sent by SLPP General Secretary MP Sagara Kariyawasam to Minister Udaya Gammanpila reflects the divisions within the Government. When the result of the No-confidence motion comes, the country would witness whether there is any division within the Government or not.
He said, “It is obvious there are political differences among the constituent parties in the Government and all such issues can be discussed at the Government Parliamentary Group meetings. However, we all should stand together by the decision taken by the President and the Prime Minister.” The Minister said the SLPP members are of the view that it is not appropriate to increase fuel prices at this juncture. “As a party, we express that opinion. However, the opinion of the party and the Government is different. Actually, SLPP General Secretary Kariyawasam had expressed the view of his party members.
As a party, I am also opposed to the recent fuel price hike as it is unbearable to the people at this juncture but we have to realise that fuel prices have gone up in the world market.”
Minister Ranatunga said although the Opposition talks about the issues in the Government, they can’t talk about the burning issues in the country because they are the people who ruined the economy. At present, the biggest challenge faced by the SJB is UNP Leader Ranil
Wickremesinghe’s re-entry to Parliament. It is being discussed whether JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake and his group would remain with Sajith Premadasa or team up with Ranil Wickremesinghe. As Wickremesinghe has come back to Parliament, the group which is against Sajith Premadasa might align with him. There will be a lot of internal disputes within the SJB In the future.