Tensions flared in Sri Lanka’s Parliament today as the opposition threatened to bring a no-confidence motion against the Speaker of the House, following a dispute over the handling of a motion targeting a deputy minister.
General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara, declared that the opposition is prepared to challenge the Speaker if he fails to uphold their democratic rights.
The warning came after the Speaker announced his decision regarding a no-confidence motion submitted by the opposition against Deputy Defence Minister, Retired Major General Aruna Jayasekara.
“If the Speaker cannot protect the democratic space afforded to the opposition, we will not hesitate to bring a no-confidence motion against him,” Madduma Bandara said during the heated session.
In response, Minister Bimal Rathnayake dismissed the threat, stating that the opposition would not succeed in unseating the Speaker.
He reaffirmed the government’s support for the Speaker’s decision and expressed confidence in facing any challenge in Parliament.
“The Speaker’s order stands. If the opposition wishes to proceed, they must follow proper parliamentary procedure,” Rathnayake said, inviting the opposition to debate the matter formally.
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