Foreign Minister Amunugama to Indian media : No vote on Nov 14, Ranil had no business to give assurances to India on East Terminal; See full interview

Foreign Minister in a wide ranging interview with India Today dispelled concerns of China influence saying "India will always be Sri Lanka's first choice."

Further he said that when Parliament meets on Nov 14 - no vote will take place on that day. " When we meet and parliament is summoned, there will be no vote on that day. Parliament procedure is very clear. Can't have a vote just like that... You have to pass an order and the paper [calling for a trust vote] has to be submitted in parliament 24 hours in advance. There is a procedure."

On the East Cargo Terminal, Mr Amunugama said " Ranil Wickremesinghe absolutely had no business to go to India or any country and give assurances regarding this port. That is not how it works. It has to be passed by parliament. It was under discussion but was not signed and sealed. We will have to heed the opinion of the workers and the trade unions that it [developing the east terminal] has to be a Sri Lankan operation."

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