Debate on Gammanpila no confidence motion opens – Govt MPs to vote against as SJB vows to campaign to reduce fuel prices

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has unanimously resolved to vote against the no confidence motion by the Samagi Jana Balwegaya against Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila over the increase of fuel prices as the opposition vowed to continue its campaign calling for reduction of prices.

The debate was due to open in Parliament this morning (19) and is due to continue tomorrow with the vote scheduled to be taken at the end of the debate.

SLPP members on Sunday night met with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa where they unanimously decided they will be voting against the motion.

President Rajapaksa had reportedly told all MPs to remain in Colombo for the two days.

Minister Mahinda Amaraweera of the SLFP said that his party also has resolved to vote against the motion while former President Mithripala Sirisena is due to make a speech.

Several ministers and MPs soon after the meeting expressed their views about the motion.

State Minister Nimal Lanza said that while voting against the motion they will campaign to ensure that the people including the fishing community gets relief from the government.

However,  Minister Ajith Nivad Cabral said that it will not be possible to reduce fuel prices immediately as the prices of fuel has shot up in the world market.

Meanwhile the Opposition while conceding that they would not be able to get the motion against Gammanpila passed they will make use of the debate to expose the government members who call for reduction of fuel prices.

“If the government members want the fuel prices reduced they should vote in favour of the motion which is all about the increase of prices”, SJB MP Mujibar Rahaman said.

Photos of the No Confidence Motion debate today