Voting in No-Confidence Motion Against Speaker set for 4.30 p.m.

The third day of the parliamentary debate on the no-confidence motion against Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena continues with the voting scheduled for 4:30 PM today. 

Originally scheduled for two days, the debate was extended to three consecutive days by the Committee on Parliamentary Business.

The motion, brought forth by the opposition, alleges that the Speaker disregarded key recommendations from the Supreme Court concerning Sections 13, 17, 20, 33 (6), 34 (1), 35 (1), 21, 22, and 33 of the Online Safety Bill. Additionally, the Speaker is accused of allowing the third reading of the bill to pass without a vote and ignoring the Chief Opposition Whip's call for a division at the committee stage.

These allegations have sparked intense debate within the parliamentary chambers, reflecting broader concerns regarding procedural integrity and the Speaker's adherence to legal recommendations.

It had been signed by 44 parliamentarians including Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella and MPs Prof. G.L. Peiris, Rohini Kumari Wijeratne, Hesha Vithanage, Mano Ganesan, Rishad Bathiudeen, M.A. Sumanthiran, S.M. Marikkar, Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Thalatha Atukorale, Vijitha Herath and Chandima Weerakkody.