Political crisis in Sri Lanka: Opposition moves no-confidence motion against PM Ranil

Colombo, March 22: In Sri Lanka, the Joint opposition handed over a motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to the Parliament Speaker. It has been signed by a total of 55 MPs, including 51 from the Joint Opposition and 4 MPs from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).

The no-confidence motion against the Premier has been signed by 51 joint opposition MPs, three deputy ministers of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and another MP. State Minister TB Ekanayake, Deputy Ministers Nishantha Mutuhettigama and Susantha Punchi Nilame and Parliamentarian Cader Mastan representing the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) have signed the no confidence motion.

The no confidence motion may not threaten Prime minister immediately as he seems to have the numbers. But it will give the opposition to expose him on several issues including the differences within the unity government.

SLFP MPs led by President Maithripala Sirisena has earlier asked for Ranil’s resignation which he refused.

Srilankan Prime minister is also facing demand from within the party for change in leadership but the party may come together to defeat the motion.

The motion was not signed by former President Mahinda Rajapakse though he was present on the occasion.