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Different views expressed by coalition partners
Both SLFP and UNP Ministers within the Govt yesterday reacted over the ‘No-Confidence’ Motion against Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake Speaking to reporters after attending a public function in Galagedara, Minister of Special Assignments, Dr Sarath Amunugama said, “If anyone had misappropriated public funds, they are not fit to hold any position, whoever they are.”
He pointed out that, under the country’s Constitution, Ministers served at the discretion of the President, who had the authority to both appoint and dismiss them. United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) General Secretary Mahinda Amaraweea told the media in Chilaw yesterday that both SLFP and UNP MPs had requested the President and the Prime Minister to remove Minister Karunanayake from his post.
He told reporters the Govt would take a decision on the matter before the ‘No-Confidence’ Motion submitted by the JO, came to a vote. UNP General Secretary and Minister Kabir Hashim meanwhile, said the Govt would take a decision on the ‘No-Confidence’ Motion and that, Party leaders were currently discussing the matter. Minister Hashim took aim at Opposition MPs who were Ministers under the former regime, accusing them of claiming political victimisation whenever complaints against them were brought before courts, but were now trying to paint a misleading picture among the public regarding this particular issue.
Minister of Ports and Shipping Mahinda Samarasinghe said MPs do not take individual decisions when it comes to issues such as a ‘No-Confidence’ Motion. “We will sit down and discuss as a Party and decide collectively,” he insisted.
His SLFP colleague and Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara however, reiterated that he would indeed support the Motion, though adding it was “everyone’s hope” that Minister Karunanayake would take a decision on his own, before the Motion came to a vote. He pointed out that Minister Tilak Marapana had earlier resigned due to allegations levelled at him. “Even if allegations of corruption are levelled at someone in our own Party, I believe it is their duty to step down, at least until investigations are concluded.”
Minister of Regional Development, Sarath Fonseka said he did not see a need for anyone to resign from his post, unless they have been found guilty of wrongdoing. He further claimed that funds had been misappropriated during previous Treasury Bond auctions. Billions have been stolen in the Hedging deal and in the purchase of Greek Bonds. “Who’s talking about them? Where are the investigations? Where are the Commissions?”