GR’s camp begins hunting for numbers against MR

26 April 2022 09:14 am - 17 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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-There is a clear split between the President and Prime Minister

-MPs loyal to the President have begun discussions with the MPs including in the SLPP in a bid to convince them to sign the NCM

-Loyalists include the 11 alliance members of Udaya Gammanpila and Wimal Weerawansa

-The TNA have said they could not support the no-confidence motion against the government unless it is certain what would happen after winning it.

Following weeks of political instability and rising public protests against the President, Prime Minister, and the government, fresh moves are now underway by the President's loyalists to gather numbers for the opposition initiated No Confidence Motion to save the President and oust the Prime Minister.

A senior political sources told Daily Mirror that while there is a clear split between the President and Prime Minister, those parliamentarians loyal to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa have begun discussions with the MPs including in the SLPP in a bid to convince them to sign the NCM to save the President's seat.

These loyalists include the 11 alliance members of Udaya Gammanpila and Wimal Weerawansa who have repeatedly been holding discussions with the President, convincing him to appoint a new Prime Minister and thereafter appoint an all-party interim government. In fact one of the names proposed as the Prime Minister in the new interim government is that of Dullas Allhapperuma.

Yesterday Udaya Gammanpila told the media that the Prime Minister had informed the Buddhist monks and party leaders that he was ready to resign as he had lost the numbers in Parliament. Gammanpila went as far as to say that 120 MPs had pledged support for the NCM, including the TNA.

However, these claims were soon shot down by senior officials close to the Prime Minister who accused Gammanpila of 'lying' as the Prime Minister had mentioned no such thing.

As of last evening, the Prime Minister's camp said Mahinda still held the majority support in Parliament and Gammanpila's claims of 120 seats ready to support the NCM were false.

Some opposition parties including the TNA have said they could not support the no-confidence motion against the government unless it is certain what would happen after winning it.

TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran said after winning the no-confidence motion, it would only be yet another cabinet reshuffle without any expected changes.

He said their primary demand was for the President to step down first as most of the people were calling for it.

UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has also voiced these same sentiments, stating that if the NCM is signed and the government is removed then who will take charge next to form a government when most opposition parties had declined to form an all-party interim government.

The SJB have also refused to form an all-party interim government with the likes of Udaya Gammanpila and Wimal Weerawansa and while the NPP led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake has said they will support the NCM, they have not shown any indication they will be part of an interim cabinet.

Senior political sources said that would then lead to the President juggling the same members, but this time with a new Prime Minister, hoping this would ease the public anger against him and the present government.

The present government has been plunged into a deeper crisis now with the latest tug of war between the Gotabaya and Mahinda factions, each trying to save the other, ignoring public calls for both President and Prime Minister to step down. (JAMILA HUSAIN)

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Comments - 17

WhatNonsense Tuesday, 26 April 2022 09:18 AM

They’re all friends as Ranjan said. They’re playing good cop, bad cop to fool the masses.

Praja Pathirana Tuesday, 26 April 2022 09:30 AM

Why hoodwinking the public? President has powers to sack PM

Punchi Tuesday, 26 April 2022 09:35 AM

The family that came togather to divide our peoples is now being torn apart ?

Pronto Tuesday, 26 April 2022 09:51 AM

Whither bound? Coconuts in the bag!

sam Tuesday, 26 April 2022 09:57 AM

How long are you fooling the public with musical chairs?

joshua Tuesday, 26 April 2022 10:00 AM

We want both Gota and MR to go together with their loyalists. These tug of war are mere eyewash. The people's agitation has to continue until the Rajapakshe and their bootlickers are kicked out

Ralaharamy Tuesday, 26 April 2022 02:44 PM

I support you. Anybody else?

R P Weerakkody Tuesday, 26 April 2022 10:02 AM

The only way out of this hell hole is to get The United Nations to tie the army commanders hands and clean out the whole medamulana cesspit with the help of UN Peace Keeping Force. Currently the terminator turned toilet worm is hanging on to his partner in crime for dear life.

Gunadasa Tuesday, 26 April 2022 12:56 PM

Second time hunting numbers just to delay the inevitable

Premalal Perera Tuesday, 26 April 2022 01:03 PM

Take it from your people Mr. President, nothing will save your Presidency.

Saman Perera Tuesday, 26 April 2022 01:36 PM

Drama only. Don't get deceived.

Ananda Tuesday, 26 April 2022 01:51 PM

Get ready to face jail term also and prepare before international criminal court

ravin Tuesday, 26 April 2022 02:11 PM

Another diversion tactic. All know blood is thicker than water. Do not get distracted.

Kosappu Tuesday, 26 April 2022 03:06 PM

All bull shit. How come all the R’s met last night then.

gee Tuesday, 26 April 2022 03:13 PM

Does anyone actually believe this lie? President can boot out PM after one year in office with his new powers remember?

John DeMel Wednesday, 27 April 2022 05:30 AM

Army leader has a problem if Gota removed as he is then open to international prosecution as a war criminal. Should it look like Gota will "fall" watch for the response of the army.

Stop Gap Wednesday, 27 April 2022 06:25 AM

Soon pharmacies will run short of sticking plaster as well!!!

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GR’s camp begins hunting for numbers against MR

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