Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena today strongly defended himself over the allegations levelled against in the no-confidence motion which was defeated in Parliament.

Speaker Abeywardena making a statement soon after the results of the no-confidence motion was announced said that in his belief that the three day debate which cost Rs 45 million was a waste and could not be tolerated to a country like Sri Lanka.

He said that his position taken regarding the appointment of the Inspector General of Police was purely taken in view of the national interest.

He said that if the Constitutional Council acts in an indecisive manner it would pose a risk to the national security.

The Speaker said he had written to the President that there was no provisions in the Consitution for members to abstain from voting  and that in the event of the votes of those who abstained were considered as a vote opposing the IGP’s appointment  his vote should be taken into consideration as the decisive vote.

He said, therefore he had not violated the Constitution.

Regarding the provisions of the Online Safety Bill, he said he had no powers to accept or reject the proposals in Parliament regarding a bill and the recordings of the sittings on January 24, 2024 will reveal the manner he conducted the sessions on that particular day.

He said, he had no provisions to delay signing the Act, once passed in Parliament.   

The Speaker also responded to other allegations levelled against him during the debate.