Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Rohana Bandara says the opposition has acknowledged that there are issues in bringing forth a No-Confidence Motion (NCM) against a Deputy Minister.
Speaking to the media, MP Rohana Bandara said measures are being taken to address this issue and submit allegations against Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara through an alternative approach.
“We know this NCM might not be won. We were focused on raising awareness of this matter in society,” he added.
MP Rohana Bandara made the remarks in connection with the NCM that was submitted against Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara by opposition parties.
The government and some law experts have argued that a No-Confidence Motion cannot be brought against a Deputy Minister. But SJB members have responded that such a motion could be presented.
Last week, the Opposition handed over the NCM against Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, who is to announce his opinion on the matter tomorrow (19 Aug).
The Opposition decided to submit the No-Confidence Motion, citing serious concerns over Jayasekara’s alleged involvement and conflict of interest in the investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.
The motion raises alarm over Jayasekara’s role as the Commander of the Security Force (East) during key incidents linked to the Easter attacks, including the Vavunathivu police killings and the Sainthamaruthu explosion, both considered pivotal moments in the lead-up to the bombings.
It further states that a potential conflict of interest exists as Jayasekara, now holding a powerful position in the Ministry of Defence, may influence subordinates or witnesses involved in the ongoing probes, risking impartiality. (Newswire)