The main Opposition United National Party (UNP) yesterday handed over a no-confidence motion against Foreign Employment Promotion Minister Dilan Perera for what the party called ‘his failure to secure clemency for Sri Lankan housemaid Rizana Nafeek who was beheaded in Saudi Arabia recently.

In the motion handed over to Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, the UNP said Rizana met with an untimely death because Minister Perera could not take necessary steps, through the Foreign Employment Bureau support, to present her case properly for clemency under the law of Saudi Arabia.

Rizana was convicted of killing a baby in her care.  She was beheaded after being in death row for seven years.

The party said the Minister should be held responsible for her tragedy.   The motion has been signed by UNP MPs Ajith P. Perera, Joseph Michael Perera, Ravi Karunanayake, Lakshman Kiriella, Niroshan Perera, Buddhika Patirane, Ranjan Ramanayake , Champika Premadasa ,  Jayalath Jayawardane, D. M. Swaminathan , Anoma Gamage. Gamini Jayawickrema Perera and others.  

The motion would be taken up for debate later on a date agreed upon by the party leaders.  If the motion is passed, Mr. Perera would cease to be a Member of the House. However, the ruling party which Mr. Perera represents has a two- third majority.

Earlier, the UNP brought a no-confidence motion against   External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris. Yet, it was defeated by a majority. (Kelum Bandara and Yohan Perera)