Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Rajitha Senaratne said that the Opposition Leader’s post need not go to the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) in the event that the United National Party (UNP) forms a government on its own.
Rajith Senaratne
Responding to a question posed by a journalist at the weekly cabinet press briefing, Senaratne said ‘it is good to have a Tamil person as the Leader of the Opposition.’
He added that doing such things (like having an SLFPer as Opposition Leader) was like ‘JR Jayewardene removing Amirthalingam,’ which he claimed ended with Prabhakaran becoming the Leader of the Opposition.
While R Sampanthan of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is currently the Opposition Leader, he was appointed in a context where the UNP and SLFP formed a unity government where even those who opposed it (the Joint Opposition) were considered to be SLFPers and therefore technically not members of the Opposition.
However, if the UNP went solo, the SLFP would have the largest number of MPs outside the Government.
Alwis / April 11, 2018
This idiot thinks he owns the country
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bunty / April 11, 2018
Absolutely correct, this big mouthy fellow has done nothing but creating havoc in the country to appease the Minorities. His days are numbered he will be worst when closer to 2020
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Champa / April 11, 2018
Rajitha is someone who always put his tongue before his mind.
In 2015, we also objected Speaker recognizing racist, separatist TNA, a provincial political party which received only 500K votes, as the Opposition, when MR’s side had 49 MPP at the time. We wanted MR to accept the Leader of the Opposition post, but he didn’t. We were mad with him but I now think, as a veteran politician and a respected Statesman, MR took the right decision disregarding our plea, allowing TNA to be the Official Opposition.
I must admit, unlike now, in 2015, when MS came into power with the help of RW, West, India, LTTE diaspora, TNA and NGOO we were very scared of their alliance-Swan as their political allies extended support based on a number of racial/separatist political demands, one being the autonomy to North/Federal Constitution and setting up of a war crimes tribunal against our war heroes. At the time MS/RW were all out to fulfill almost all demands of LTTE diaspora/TNA. Everything changed when Wimal stepped forward to protect the sovereignty of our unitary country, Buddhism and our war heroes taking the full control of the country giving unprecedented strength to Sinhalese to stand against MS/RW’s vicious agenda and bring Mahinda back in the Parliament. Wimal’s leadership was a phenomenon. Here we are today, standing together as one united nation under our National Flag. There were hiccups in our struggle. We still have, but our common denominator is our beloved motherland. We are marching forward not backwards. That is why I insist, the next President shouldn’t be another Rajapaksa.
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Back to the topic. Although our initial argument in 2015 was based on numbers and national politics, according to Constitution, TNA should be the Official Opposition rightfully.
Contd’1/2
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Champa / April 12, 2018
Continuation…
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With the formation of SLFP/UNP unity government, TNA became the Official Opposition which received third highest votes. Sinhalese never believed TNA to oppose government’s agenda.
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I am not bothered about that. What puzzling me is the NCM. This is a very special situation. There is no way all 52 MPP in the JO signed the NCM and voted in favour of it unless there is a special reason. Other than MR/BR/WW/UG and above all MS/his SLFP faction coming together for one single cause is extraordinary. The most immediate reason could be the Judicature Bill. I am sure JO knew SC’s decision of the Judicature Bill in advance which now requires ⅔ majority to pass. They wanted to save GR and themselves. Hence the NCM against Ranil. That is why they talk about loss of ⅔ in the government. Now they want to chase TNA and take the Leader/Opposition to themselves. As a part of the plan, MS will let 16 MPP to sit with JO as if he upholds democracy. In exchange of MS’s support to NCM, JO may have promised protection for MS and his family when he leaves Presidency. OMG! All these chaos in the Parliament, all these disruptions to day to day lives of people, the crippling to the administrative system, all were created to save their skin!!!!
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What I don’t understand is why they wanted to keep the real reason a big secret and created this chaos in the Parliament? If NCM was passed, they may have planned to bring GR through the national list and appoint him as the PM!. Hoooooo, but obviously someone in the JO was not in favour of that and blocked it??? “Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the worst of them all?”
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Champa / April 12, 2018
We have serious issues than Parliamentary JOkes.
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As per the 19A, MS and RW has no choice other than continuing Unity Government. JO made it clear several times that they don’t take part in the government. Therefore, JO’s constant attempt to create chaos in the Parliament has no meaning. It only strengthens Ranil/UNP. When the Parliamentary is in chaos, entire country is at risk. Besides it cripples the administrative system and weaken the President. Weakening the President has dire consequences for Sinhalese.
I saw a news item appeared in ‘Ada’ about TNA ‘invading’ Kokilai Temple and questioning its deeds. I urge the President and the Prime Minister, forget about your differences and pay attention to almost anarchic situation in the country. I don’t care who got whose support for the NCM. It’s now over. Both of you promised to protect Buddhist temples in the North. You should not allow incidents like Kokilai to repeat. You should warn TNA to prevent from such moves. Governor should visit the temple and extend government’s support to the resident Buddhist priests. If necessary, military protection should be provided to the Kokilai temple before TNA hold a protest to intimidate Buddhist priests there.
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Burt / April 11, 2018
Ranjith is right in saying that the opposition leader need not be changed but his argument supporting doesn’t seem to be right.
The reason why SLFP should not be given the opposition leader position is because the President is the head of state and government through the constitution and allows him or her to hold one or more cabinet portfolios or delegate functions of govt to the secretary. In the current environment the president is not independent as he is an active member of the SLFP and its leader.
So can a party to government also be the leader of the opposition?
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Rajash / April 12, 2018
you think you own the country?
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jeson / April 12, 2018
You are IDIOT too
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Real Revolutionist / April 11, 2018
Why should the ruling party take pains of opposition leader.
It’s decided simply by a vote to select the most trusted man in the opposition.
Let it be done by the lot in the opposition.
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Ranja / April 12, 2018
For its survival, the government needs a dummy opposition.
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MANU / April 12, 2018
It is not that simple. If you were elected from a particular party you have to abide by the party rulesIt is not like appointing members in a n social associations. Parliament is a supreme body.
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Eagle Eye / April 11, 2018
In a democracy, a member of the party commanding second largest number of seats must occupy post of Leader of Oppossition. Dr RS’s theory; “It is good to have a Tamil person as Leader of Opposition” in a situation when another party has more seats in parliament than the “Tamil person” indicates Dr RS’s scant regard for democratic procedures. What can be expected from a turncoat who voted for 18th Amendment and to arbitrarily impeach a Chief Justice and then jumped ship.
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Chethiyasena / April 11, 2018
Once of the most shameless guys in SL politics
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Burt / April 11, 2018
But not if the head of govt is a member of that party holding Cabinet portfolio.
If Sampanthan is removed he should challenge it in court.
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Plato. / April 11, 2018
According to this logic, the Leader of the Opposition, though not a Defacto member of the Cabinet, he certainly is a DeJure member of the Cabinet!
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Steve / April 11, 2018
In a democracy a strong opposition is vitally important for checks and balances. The opposition leader should be appointed by the Speaker based on the constitution. It is not for Ministers in their personal capacity to decide on this important appointment.
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Mama Sinhalam / April 11, 2018
This cannot be correct. If the JO becomes the largest party in opposition, its leader is entitled to be the leader of the opposition. Sampanthan should give way gracefully. The JO members should sit in the opposition. This may be a good thing as Sampanthan was only a nominal leader of the opposition. He did not oppose. It is proper that there should be an opposition but unfortunately for SL, it is an opposition without any policy on the basis on which it can oppose but only a plan to enable a crook to come back to power.
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Burt / April 12, 2018
JO is not a recognized party or a group of parties that have agreed to work as a party but majority of them are registered members of the SLFP and SLFP is one of the group of parties that has formed UPFA and its General Secretary is Mithripala Sirisena or better known as Silisena.
So Silisena being the head of govt and part of the cabinet cannot expect to have an opposition leader from the same party or group of parties.
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K.Pillai / April 11, 2018
In January 2015, MR did not want to take up the position of Leader of Opposition. JO is not a recognised party. Who are the SLPPers in parliament? And who is their leader?
The leader of SLFP is MS. Should he be the Leader of Opposition?
Getting more and more intriguing!
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Eagle Eye / April 11, 2018
K.Pillai
MR could not become LoO in August 2015 as SLFP, the party he represents was a coalition partner of the government. This narrative is based on the SLFP leaving the coalition government in which case SLFP automatically becomes the party with the second largest number of seats and thus automatically entitled to the post of LoO whilst Sampanthan gets disqualified to hold the post. SLPP did not contest as a registered party in August 2015 and does not exist in parliament.
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Thanos / April 11, 2018
I really, really dislike this individual as a “Cabinet Spokesperson”. Everytime he opens his loud mouth, “Yahapalanaya” loses more votes. As a Minister, Mr. Rajitha Senaratne is somewhat effective but I don’t want him as a Spokesperson. “Yahapalanaya” as movement have all the wrong people as Spokespersons, Rajitha, Chandrika, Purawesi Balaya, etc. You need calm and eloquent people as spokespersons.
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Justice & Fairplay / April 11, 2018
‘it is good to have a Tamil person as the Leader of the Opposition.’
While the concept is not flawed at all, it would have been far better had Dr Senaratne worded his statement differently. Such as:
“It is good to have a person of Tamil origin as the leader of the opposition”.
It is absolutely high time that everyone stopped referring to Sri Lankans citing their ethnicity. ABSOLUTELY HIGH TIME.
This MUST start with the Politicians. The next step is to drop all references to religion.
However “leaders” must decide whether or not they wish to lead this nation forward in a progressive way, or backward in a retrogressive way.
Or is this too much after all, given the levels of education attained within the parliament precincts?
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Ajith / April 11, 2018
It is necessary to have Tamil political party leader as an opposition leader. The argument from the Joint opposition is that Sampanthan do not represent the whole country. This argument is also applicable that the joint opposition do not represent Tamils and Muslims. They never spoke about the needs and aspirations of the Tamil or Muslim people. The government or opposition(SLFP or UNP or SLFP or JVP) only speak for Sinhalese whether they are in govt or opposition. So, it is necessary to have Tamil speaking Tamil or Muslim should at least as an opposition leader
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Sinhala_Man / April 11, 2018
Thanks to Justice & Fairplay; Mama Sinhalam; and Plato:
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I know that we are four people who want, at all cost, to avoid the possibility of Ethnic conflicts.
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We will avoid such conflicts by being honest. Rajith Senaratne’s specious arguments are the sort of things that end up spelling trouble.
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Please, President and Prime Minister: also use this opportunity to get rid of people who have no business to be sitting in Parliament. One way or another the two of you have been elected by us to do the work we have delegated to you. Identifying those guys is YOUR business – you are paid handsomely to do such things. I will identify the most obvious: S.B. Dissanayake.
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Mr R. Sampanthan: you have already displayed wise statesmanship. In the twilight of your life, please continue to do so. You WILL be rewarded – I don’t know how – but you will have your reward which will not be in terms of dirty politics.
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Paul / April 11, 2018
There is no Government, there is no Opposition, there are only the pigs gorging themselves at the trough.
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nosey parker / April 11, 2018
Paul , I salute you !
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Native Vedda / April 12, 2018
Paul
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Alright, there is no Government, there is no Opposition how about Joint Opposition, a new kind of opposition, same party has nearly half of its MPs in the government and the other half in the opposition.
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Douglas / April 11, 2018
As per the reporting, this “Cabinet Spokesman” Minister Rajitha Senaratne has said: “It is good to have a Tamil person as the Leader of the Opposition”. As usual, this Minister, at all times “Wags” both his tongue and tail and that also in public. As per the pronouncement, the Leader of the Opposition could only be a “Tamil”. Did anyone ask him: Why not a Tamil be the Prime Minister OR is being a Tamil a “Disqualification” for that position? This Minister’s IGNORANCE is a BLISS and now added to that “BLISS” is STUPIDITY. He lacks even the COMMON SENSE of how the Leader of the Opposition is named in a Democratic set up of Governance in the country. One “Thomas” in his comment said, this Minister is “somewhat effective”. Yes, not “somewhat”, but very, very “effective” in bringing the whole of the Govt. Medical System to disrepute and chaos. As that is irrelevant to this subject matter under discussion, I do not wish say anything more of it.
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Native Vedda / April 12, 2018
Douglas
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“Did anyone ask him: Why not a Tamil be the Prime Minister OR is being a Tamil a “Disqualification” for that position?”
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It is a good question.
However, the right question is whether the country is ready to have a Tamil Prime Minister. Is your proposal acceptable to the Bumiputras, JVP, SAngha, Navin Dissanayake, Wimal Sangili Karuppan Weerawansa, Udaya Ganapathipillai, Champika Ranawake,
Saffron clad thugs, Army, Navy, Air force, Police, STF, ……………………..?
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If the country is not ready then when it is going to be ready?
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justice / April 11, 2018
In Sri Lanka, no political post/appointment is ‘permanent’.
The people are unconcerned about such appointments, and only wish the daily square meal, employment & life without problems.
The omnipresent problem of unfettered corruption is the worry of all citizens.
But, corruption goes on, with profligacy in state deals – eg the proposed purchase of an old warship from Russia – people wonder as to who benefits.
“Wealth beyond means” is a crime in true democracies, but this is ignored in Sri Lanka.
How did a politico purchase a penthouse for Rs. 150 Million instantly, for example.
This ‘health’ minister maybe a little better than a female who was a former estate school teacher, appointed by President Premadasa.
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thrishu / April 11, 2018
RS spouts out anything that comes to his unruly tongue. If the party that holds most seats in the opposition does not matter in determining the Leader of Opposition, then it does not matter who holds the most seats on the government side either, and who would be the PM. UNP could be replaced by TNA, SLFP or SLPP or even JVP; they could also appoint the Prime Minister from their party. Rajitha, you are one of the irritating individuals that I have come across with your nonsense statements. Give your job and role to someone else and go and extract teeth if you are any good at it, if not someone else could extract your teeth with one blow for your stupid declarations!
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Bibile Maama / April 11, 2018
The stupidest and arrogant politician of the modern era of Sri Lanka. Isn’t he the fellow who claimed MR has stashed away 5 billions of dollars in Dubai and elsewhere. Not a small amount, he must show 5 Billion dollars before 2020. I wonder what drives fellows like this to get into politics and hoodwink the masses forever. Don’t forget he was the very same guy who carried a proposition to nominate MR for the Noble Peace Award, there are so many other similar statements made by this politician, what a curse.
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Jim softy / April 11, 2018
Maithripala sirisena dissolved the previous govt. in order to save Ranil fromthe bond scam, from teh Cope committee. In those days Ranil had some dealing with MCC -mean from Belgium and they got some money through putsode the govt. I suppose, through bod scam they paid that money. Once the 100 day govt came they di dthe bond scam twice more and At that time Maithripala said, that what ever happens this govt contonues until the end. Maitheiapala to protect his own ends appointed CIBBOc/PCOL. Other than that, they all are one team. Rajitha SENARATHNE thinks he gets the PM positions in case Ranil stesp down He is talking about that for some time. Other than the govt is completely a hoke. Just think, If JO becomes the governing party many ministers lose their extra income, car permits, commis, tender offering to friends and foreign trips. Other group thinks we should be their because they also want to taste the cake. Rajitha Suits parlaiment. He uses his pwers to escape FCID. Now heis planing to be the MP for Aluthgama area. that is why he is talking for Tmails, insteead of muslims.
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Jim softy / April 11, 2018
Rajitha Senarathne, has someother motives. He continuously engages in multiple corruption related cases. HE wants to by Rs one billion worth surgical gloves when there is a glove manufacturing companyh is in Sri lanka. Probably, he wants to give a contract to some one to import from overseas. there is a rumoura Rajitha got commiss even from MEdicated Shmpoo. shampoo was wanted in western countreis where bathing was a problem because of acid rains water became hard water. Other wise, shampoo cause probme with hair. <edicated is adding herbal extracts etc., IT is just screwing up People and the country.
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K.Pillai / April 11, 2018
How come JO has not thought of a gimmicky NCM on the Leader of Opposition?
Wimal, get into the news again by suggesting that the Leader of Opposition self-proposed it!
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SJ / April 11, 2018
It is a constitutional flaw that enabled Sampanthan to become Leader of the Opposition.
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Had wisdom and decency prevailed, he would have turned it down, for he knows that he cannot be a genuine leader of the opposition.
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Native Vedda / April 12, 2018
SJ
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Is it lack of wisdom and decency on the part of Sambandan that made him the opposition leader?
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However N. M. Perera, S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike, C. P. de Silva, Dudley Senanayake, Weeping Widow, J. R. Jayewardene, A. Amirthalingam, Anura Bandaranaike, Dutta Gamini Dissanayake, Ranil Wickremesinghe, Ratnasiri Wickremanayake, Mahinda Rajapaksa, and Nimal Siripala de Silva knew they can be genuine leaders of the opposition.
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How wonderful.
Out of almost 14 opposition leaders you have found only Sambandan who cannot be a genuine leader of opposition (in 70 Years) as if the entire parliament is full of genuine MPs.
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Kugan / April 11, 2018
It shouldn’t be based on religion or race ,makes everyone equal
All schools should be English medium so easy access for further studies and make respective language as subject
Bar the religious involving politics
Prosecute the parents who take away their childhood and make them vulanarabl
No more vechiles for politicians they choose to serve the people so they can travel as us ordinary LTTE gone they can’t take away the police resources
No more back door MPs
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Mallaiyuran / April 11, 2018
Rajitha a Previous SLFPyer. He is not in UNP, yet. He is talking like that because he knows the unity government cannot be ended legally, though, functionally, it is not there.
First thing is, Old Royals doesn’t want PM or LOP positions. So they don’t want Ranil or Sampanthar leaves their jobs.
So Old Royals’ acolytes thinking that they are with Joint Comedies and interpreting Rajitha’s words superficially will not bring in anything good for them.Further Old Royals don’t want LOP even for Joint Comedies. Still only real parties are SLFP and UNP. There is no real political parties as Joint Comedies or Slap party.
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K A Sumanasekera / April 12, 2018
Looks like it is odds on that Dr Rajitha is going to take over from Dr Ranil…
Srilanka is a blessed country.
Yahapalana suckers are soooooo lucky.
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Native Vedda / April 13, 2018
KASmaalam K A Sumanasekera
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“Srilanka is a blessed country.”
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Yeah, if you regularly sacrifice humans to Kaali Amma she ought to bless you lot.
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“Yahapalana suckers are soooooo lucky.”
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It looks like your bums are burning.
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Burt / April 15, 2018
NV:
Yes according to Sumena: MR’s ball carrier its blessed by MR, Gota and Basil.
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Burt / April 12, 2018
Finally the RATS are out of the CABINET.
“The sixteen SLFP Ministers and MPs who voted in favour of the no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister will step down from their posts in the National Government from midnight today (11).
President Maithripala Sirisena, in his capacity as the leader of the SLFP, has given permission for the 16 party members to resign from their posts, MP Thilanga Sumathipala said.
However, he added that 16 MPs will continue to work under the leadership of the President. “
Hell-No they are still in the KITCHEN. Silisena is feeding them.
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Buddhist / April 12, 2018
Only way the Speaker can consider nominating some one from Pohottuwa (definitely not SLFP ) is by all SLFP members getting the membership of SLPP and then petitioning to the Speaker that they should be appointed as the Legal Opposition. Unless and until they do not leave SLFP and take membership the same party cannot be in the Government and hold the Leader of the Opposition post.
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Burt / April 15, 2018
Buddhist:
If he does that person or his party cannot be a part of the UPFA as Silisena is the general Sec of UPFA.
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Park / April 12, 2018
There is no rule to say that the Opposition has to oppose everything a Government does. If the Opposition feels that the proposals of the Government is good for the country then they can and must support.
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Pala / April 12, 2018
This person is fowl mouthed thick headed guy over estimated about himself ,
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Jim softy / April 12, 2018
His ambitin is to be nominated for presidential elelctions. Here he shows that is he is worthy to be prime minister. HE has sold himself a few times to tamils. AT present, Sambanthan is the opposition leader but he did not screw up the way Amirthalingam did laying foundation to LTTE.
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Jim softy / April 12, 2018
Rajitha Senarathen has so many files in FCID. He avoided so many requests to come and answer those probably because of Ranik’s involvements. In his singaproe visit too, he informed the president that he was going for a heart by-pass (?) surgery and President gave Rs 100 lakhs or Rs 100 million. but, he had had only a Physical, I heard.
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Bruz / April 12, 2018
Do not forget or regret…remember..we are in Sri Lanka and every thing is happening the same stupid way.
SL has a very long way to go…mature and develop…it is a very difficult thing.
Who wants the leader of the opposition post!..no one
What did Sambandan do as the opp leader …nothing !
So it is okaky for any Tom or Dick to be the Opp leader..
Who really cares …………
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chiv / April 12, 2018
At last the HYENAS and the VULTURES have left the carcass. I hear the 16 ministers/mp and other low lives have resigned and left the government.Thank God.I hope it is true and not fake.
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MANU / April 12, 2018
Only way to get the opposition leaders post to SLFP they should leave the government as a party .Part of the SLFP cannot be in the government and some of the SLFPers to be in the opposition is not possible
SLFP should have sacked from the party the first lot who went to opposition and should have expelled them from the Parliament.
This was due to former servants of Maharajah were reluctant to act.. If that was done this crisis would not start.today
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