No confidence motion against Govt. Compelled to use vote against my conscience

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  

Former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen yesterday said he has been compelled to use his vote against his conscience when it comes to the no-confidence motion against the government.  

“I have been compelled to use my vote when it comes to the no-confidence motion because of the pledge I have made that we will not allow this government to fall, when I gave up my ministerial portfolio,” Minister Bathiudeen said during the debate on the no-confidence motion against the government in the House last afternoon.  

Mr. Bathiudeen said some opposition MPs made unfair allegations against him. “The Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa is fully aware about me as I worked under his government,” he said.  

“At the same time I am grateful to MP S. B. Dissanayake who had lodged a complaint against me with the police. At least I can face the inquiry and prove my innocence,” he added.   He said some Sinhalese extremists are making hate speech which are against Buddhism. “Some say Dr. Shafi who has been accused of sterilizing women against their wish should be stoned. Does Buddhism teach to stone people?” he asked.