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UPFA quits National Govt; UNP to form own Govt.

19 February 2018 12:50 am - 37     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) has informed President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday night that it would quit the national government, a party official said.

UPFA General Secretary Mahinda Amaraweera sent a letter in this regard to the President. The unity government was formed between the UPFA and the United National Party (UNP) soon after the 2015 parliamentary election in order to govern the country for a period of two years that ended in December last year.

UPFA MP, Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara told Daily Mirror that his party had also requested the President to make a reference to the Supreme Court seeking its opinion on the possibility to appoint a new Prime Minister in place of UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe who serves in office at the moment.

According to the 19th Amendment , once a Prime Minister is appointed, the only way in which he can cease to hold office is in terms of Article 46(2) if he (a) resigns his office by a writing under his hand addressed to the President; or (b) ceases to be a Member of Parliament, or if the Cabinet of Ministers is dissolved in terms of Article 48(2) pursuant to the Statement of Government Policy or the Appropriation Bill being defeated in Parliament, or upon the passing of a motion of no confidence against the government.

However, some legal experts argue that the entire Cabinet is rendered illegal once the two parties part ways from the national unity government. Therefore, they say the President has the power to take steps for the appointment of a new Cabinet thereafter, including the Prime Minister.

The President has been asked to seek the opinion of the Supreme Court over this ambiguity.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that the President had shelved the idea for the prorogation of Parliament. Initially, his office had informed MPs that such a move was on the cards and the President was thought to have sent his proclamation to the Government Printer. It was later recalled. (Kelum Bandara)


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  Comments - 37

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  • Ceylon Monday, 19 February 2018 01:00 AM

    Sirisena you like a puppet you dont involve with these circuss and do your job as a president.you impliment the rule of law,which you never did.what a miserable idiots runing this government.

    Citizen Perera Monday, 19 February 2018 07:43 AM

    Yes you are correct...he should be the President of Srilanka...Not a "President " of SLFP or any political group.

    Palugaswewa Monday, 19 February 2018 08:01 AM

    Obviously the president is doing his job.It is the dutyof the president to avoid the govt.running in to a chaos.

    AshyD Monday, 19 February 2018 10:54 AM

    The President was elected on UNP and other votes, so let these jokers know that and the President too.

    Sumal Monday, 19 February 2018 07:28 AM

    Democracy in action. Single person cannot change the table like earlier.

    sachs Monday, 19 February 2018 10:22 AM

    A single person can. That is RANIL

    Public to Understand Monday, 19 February 2018 08:27 AM

    just wait and see UNP will be washed of in next election since Ranil is there as a leader. How many time he defeated? People chosen him to punish the thieves. But that he failed to do by appoint his close

    umen Monday, 19 February 2018 11:17 AM

    I too like if Ranil continue, it will pave the way for a strong Gota/MR government in next election

    TONY Monday, 19 February 2018 08:27 AM

    SO IT IS CRYSTAL CLEAR THAT MP'S WILL CHANGE SIDES FOR PERSONAL BENEFITS

    ORE THE ZEROS FASTER THE DEFLECTS ! Monday, 19 February 2018 11:04 AM

    The number of Zeros added to the inducement is all that matters.

    commona man Monday, 19 February 2018 08:27 AM

    thats why people gave their verdict since the UNP is weak. Mostly people expect big things, they only need to punish the previous regime thieves and get the stolen money back and reduce the cost of living finally

    SriLankan Monday, 19 February 2018 08:29 AM

    Every Sri Lanakn desperately need to dissolve the parliament ASAP.Otherwise country is facing a big trouble with political instability which will lead to a total economic collapse.

    No Monday, 19 February 2018 04:16 PM

    This is real democracy at work. Though it can create some chaos, that is the way forward. Democracy at any cost..

    TONY Monday, 19 February 2018 08:32 AM

    POWER GREEDY MR WILL BE DELIGHTED HIS PLANS ARE WORKING

    vasaliya Monday, 19 February 2018 08:41 AM

    Garu UPFA and Garu SLPP....where is the bahutharaya you were planning to show in 48 hours? Did it become a sulutharaya....Ok UNP. Last chance...land the crooks in jail right now. Remember how the Rajapakse goons dragged SF to jail even after he got 4.5 million votes....they cared a hoot to votes obtained by him. Treat the goons the same way...send a bus to arrest the goons...people will respect powerfull decisions. People dont respect lame white collar royalist decisions....if you are obliged to protect the thieves, move aside Ranil W and make way for someone who can do it.

    MH Monday, 19 February 2018 08:44 AM

    the only reason why we have so much corruption and bribery is due to the vast number of ministers. India has a billion people, have half the number than we do.

    Smilencare Monday, 19 February 2018 09:15 AM

    Form a government with Singapore. They have a proven international track record at fair governance in a similar multi-racial setup.

    yaka mahathaya Monday, 19 February 2018 11:45 AM

    singapore wont dela with morons, dumb and dickheads

    Unchikun Monday, 19 February 2018 09:26 AM

    The silver lining is that the cabinet of ministers will have to be pruned. 30?. That is all. The joker will still be the PM and drag the UNP to its death. Sayonara UNP.

    Jude Monday, 19 February 2018 09:29 AM

    Here's a great opportunity for that new UNP led government, first and foremost make the cabinet ministers limited to 20. Then off MPs an allowance plus a reasonable salary!!! Cut all unnecessary money given to MP's!!! At least try to initiate new Political Culture!!!?? Hey only two more years for the general elections. If the new government can come up something like this, there will be a huge public Euphoria !!??

    NEW FIRM MINISTER OF JUSTICE Monday, 19 February 2018 11:09 AM

    " If the new government can come up something" = this something will be appoint Fonseka as minister of Justice - all the people will rally back .

    Bon Bon Monday, 19 February 2018 09:33 AM

    Current politicians are only concerned about staying in power... citizens suffer everytime. There is no end to this political circus. We need fresh educated youth in parliament and old politicians out.

    sal Thursday, 22 February 2018 06:16 PM

    High time Sri Lankans had a revolution to get rid of all these corrupt politicians from all parties. Have some educated selfless politicians. Maybe start with having an entry requirement to be an MP is to have a degree or A/Ls. That should get rid of 80% of the thieves!

    Ronnie Bugger Monday, 19 February 2018 09:39 AM

    People say so many negative comments about the President but he appear to be cool and collected in the middle of the present crises and will deliver his verdict which may shock certain sections, very soon.

    Asan Monday, 19 February 2018 09:42 AM

    As the President is for UNP members he should be taken off from SLFP.Tell him to go and take UNP membership.

    Jey Monday, 19 February 2018 10:23 AM

    Oh, dear or dear! This is not democracy at work, but total hypocrisy and idiocy.

    Sambaranee Monday, 19 February 2018 10:33 AM

    Nice nadagama,by Dinesh,Gaman,GL,media why the hellwithout knowing the constitution what these people are running and making a mess and put the whole nation in chaos.Now the losses should be claim from them.

    Pxx Monday, 19 February 2018 10:35 AM

    I wish puppet Sirisena to be impeached soon.

    Stpd Monday, 19 February 2018 10:41 AM

    Mr. president, people did not give you power to establish UPFA/SLFP government. Don't you remember the past. Giving the country back to billion dollar robbers. You have the power, still you choose to satisfy the minority who will turn their back to you during next election. Can you be more foolish ? If you do the right thing you will be remembered as a great leader, otherwise you will just be one of them robbers.

    Pxx Monday, 19 February 2018 10:58 AM

    I think MS is digging his own grave

    Wesley Moses Monday, 19 February 2018 11:10 AM

    Please join the JO .

    DHA Monday, 19 February 2018 11:20 AM

    Wow one election loss has shaken up the entire country......

    Piranha Monday, 19 February 2018 11:43 AM

    Good.The Government would be better without them

    Ceylon Monday, 19 February 2018 11:51 AM

    Need only two ministwrs to fix the problem of thieves.sf to law and order.rajitha to justice.ranjan to stolen asset recovery.in six months all will under control.

    Senaka Monday, 19 February 2018 12:40 PM

    Rajitha? Seriously? He can’t even control the GMOA.

    JJ Monday, 19 February 2018 11:56 AM

    ..returning to den of thieves.

    Sangaralingham Tuesday, 20 February 2018 09:57 AM

    Let peace prevail. Carry on till next parliamentary election. Wise if there is some intelligent discussion among the political parties within the government of the day. Be prepared. Jumping ships when things are in disarray is not respectful by any politicians country need dynamic honest truthful and functioning government


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