The no-confidence motion against the Finance Minister was defeated at the Parliament with a majority of 94 votes today (09).
Only 51 members voted in favor while 145 voted against the motion tabled by the ‘Joint Opposition’.
Twenty-eight MPs including former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, Labour Minister W. D. J. Seneviratne, Chandrasiri Gajadeera, Siripala Gamlath, Arumugam Thondaman and TNA MPS were absent during the vote.
Parliamentarians of the United National Party (UNP), United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) and Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) voted against the no-confidence motion while the “Joint Opposition” and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) voted in favour.
The motion of no-confidence signed by 37 MPs was handed over to the Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya on March 24. The motion has been filed accusing Ravi Karunanayake of proving false information to the Parliament including the proposals included in the 2016 Budget.
All the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) members voted against the no-confidence motion. However, MPs representing the JVP voted in favor.
Twenty eight MPs were absent at the voting including former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Opposition leader R. Sampanthan.
