Uncertainty prevails in Parliament

• NCM against Bathiudeen on June 18, 19
• PM says no-confidence motion brought by the JVP should be given priority

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  

Uncertainty looms as to when Parliament would take up the debate on the No-Confidence Motion (NCM) brought against Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, with government proposing that it could be taken up on June 18 and 19 and the opposition demanding for a prior date.

Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella suggested that the motion should be taken up on June 18 and June 19, 2019. However Joint Opposition MP Wimal Weerawansa proposed it should be taken up during the parliamentary week which starts on June 7, 2019. “We can take up other business as scheduled for the week and then leave the remaining days for the no confidence motion,” Mr. Weerawansa said.  

“Government is trying to make use of the select committee to discharge Minister Bathiudeen of all charges made against him and therefore to avoid the no-confidence motion,” he added.  
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who responded said it is the business committee which has the power to decide the date on which the motion would be taken up and said the opposition does not have a say on it. He added that the no-confidence motion brought by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) should be given priority.  

However JVP Leader and Member of Parliament Anura Kumara Dissanayake said his party will not request for a date for the no-confidence motion brought against the government till the date for the no-confidence motion against Minister Bathiudeen is fixed up in a proper manner.  

However Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said it is not possible to give a date before June 18 and 19, 2019. “I gave enough time for all MPs to voice their opinion on Wednesday. Therefore don’t waste time shouting about it,” he said.