14 June 2017 08:21 pm
When the committee report which was made over the corruption charges levelled against all four of the council ministers was taken up for debate today, the Chief Minister informed the Education Minister T. Gurukularajah and Agriculture Minister O. Ainkaraneshan to resign.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister informed Transport and Trade Minister B. Deniswaran and Health Minister P. Sathyalingam to go on a month's leave as there were investigations of corruption pending against them.
Mr. Vigneswaran afterwards informed Council Chairman C.V.K. Sivagnanam that he will take over the portfolios of all ministers under his purview for the time being.
The council ministers who were accused said that although they were not guilty of the charges levelled against them, they would accept the decision taken by the Chief Minister.
Meanwhile, Opposition Council Member V. Jayathilake said they were not given the opportunity to express their opinions during the debate and therefore, all opposition members walked out of the council.
However, he said discussions with regard to the vacancies of the four ministries would be held on June 22, during the council session. (Romesh Madhusanka)