House rejects move to hold debate on censure Motion against President

The Motion moved by Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Parliamentarian M.A Sumanthiran to suspend Standing Orders for today in order to hold a debate on a censure motion against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, was rejected by Parliament today.

The motion was rejected with 68 voting for and 119 against it.

The Motion titled “Displeasure of Parliament for not having properly exercised, performed, and discharged the powers of the President under the Constitution” has moved in the House by TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran and seconded by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Lakshman Kiriella. Upon objection, a division was called after government MPs opposed suspending Standing Orders. 

As per Standing Orders, it can be taken up after 5 days and Standing Orders need to be suspended in order to take it up again in the House. 

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe also voted against the Motion. 

However, the United National Party earlier declared that it will support the No-Confidence Motion against the President on April 27.

“It is important that the Parliament conveys the lack of confidence in the President that the public has demonstrated.” a Tweet from the party’s official Twitter handle said.