MR says no-faith motion against Wijedasa will fail

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday predicted in Kandy that a no-confidence motion to be brought against Minister Wijeyedasa Rajapakshe would certainly fail.

Mahinda Rajapaksa said it was unique to bring a no-confidence motion by a government against one of its own minister.

“Minister Wijeyedasa Rajapakshe holds the same opinion about the Hambantota port deal as we”, the former President said, addressing a meeting of the Kandy branch of ‘Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna’ on Saturday (12).

Rajapaksa said the policy of the UNP over the years had been to sell the country’s assets and the SLFP, too, had adopted the same policy after creeping into the yahapalana coalition.

“The Hambantota Port agreement with a Chinese firm was inimical to the country’s interests. It is valid for two periods of 99 years each. This government does not have any regard for senior lawyers. Senior lawyers have a responsibility to point out what is right and wrong.”

The government shows no respect to members of the judiciary. Decisions of the learned judges are not treated with respect, he said.

Ravi Karunanayake was asked to resign after much agitation. His resignation from the ministry portfolio alone would not be a solution to the bond scam problem, the former President said.

For the past two and half years the government had failed to implement any of its promises given to the people and problems were cropping up one after the other, Rajapakse said ,adding that his government had routed the LTTE terrorists and developed the country.

Ports had been built and roads, highways and expressways constructed throughout the country. His government had also taken action to develop other sectors, especially the country’s education.

Prof. G. L. Peiris, leader of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, President of the Kandy Branch of the Peramuna Attorney Jayantha Kirindigoda and Secretary Attorney Janaka Sakalasuriya also addressed the meeting.

MPs Keheliya Rambukwella, Lohan Ratwatte and Dilum Amunugama were also present.