The Parliamentary Business Committee has decided that the no‑confidence motion against the Minister of Justice and National Integration, Harshana Nanayakkara, will be taken up for debate in Parliament on Friday (24).

The decision was reached during the Parliamentary Business Committee’s meeting held earlier today.

The Opposition formally handed over a no‑confidence motion against Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne in Parliament yesterday (22).

The submission was made with the signatures of several Opposition MPs, marking a coordinated challenge to the Minister’s position.

The motion comes in direct response to the Negombo Prison unrest on July 5 and 6, where clashes left a number of prison officers and inmates dead and several others seriously injured. 

The Opposition argues that Minister Nanayakkara failed to fulfill his responsibility and accountability for ensuring the safety of those in custody. (Newswire)

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The Opposition has formally handed over a no‑confidence motion against Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne in Parliament today (21).

The Opposition confirmed the move, noting that the submission was made with the signatures of several Opposition MPs, marking a coordinated challenge to the Minister’s position.

The motion comes in direct response to the Negombo Prison unrest on July 5 and 6, where clashes left a number of prison officers and inmates dead and several others seriously injured. 

The Opposition argues that Minister Nanayakkara failed to fulfill his responsibility and accountability for ensuring the safety of those in custody.

According to the motion, the Minister has not properly carried out duties entrusted to him under Extraordinary Gazette No. 2412/08 of November 25, 2024, which include formulating and implementing policies on prison reforms, administration and rehabilitation, developing prison infrastructure, and reducing congestion. 

These lapses, the Opposition claims, directly contributed to the crisis. (Newswire)

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Opposition lawmakers have submitted a no‑confidence motion against Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody to the Speaker of Parliament.

Chief Opposition Whip MP Gayanta Karunathilaka handed over the motion to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne this morning. 

The motion has already been signed by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, members of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, and a group of other opposition representatives.

According to reports, the motion claims the Minister of Energy has failed to discharge his primary duty to ensure the procurement of sufficient and quality coal for the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant in Norochcholai, and that such gross negligence in overseeing a critical national energy asset constitutes a fundamental breach of the responsibility of a minister. 

They also point out that the Minister of Energy has been formally charged before the Colombo High Court by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) under Section 70 of the Bribery Act for committing an ‘‘act of corruption’‘ while serving as the Procurement Manager of the Ceylon Fertilizer Company Limited. (Newswire)

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The Opposition today initiated the signing of a No-Confidence Motion against the Minister of Education, Harini Amarasuriya.

The No-Confidence Motion is being brought in view of the numerous errors related to subject matter and inappropriate content in the current government’s education reforms, as well as the failure to address these issues in a responsible manner. 

The signing took place at the Opposition Leader’s Office in Parliament under the leadership of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa. 

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa placed the first signature on the No-Confidence Motion. (Newswire)

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Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said in Parliament today that the opposition will be forced to bring forth a No-Confidence Motion against Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne.

Addressing the Parliament today, MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara said that if the Speaker does not uphold democracy and the rights of the Opposition, then they will be forced to submit a No-Confidence Motion against him. 

He pointed out that this was the first time in the history of Sri Lanka’s Parliament that a Speaker has rejected a No-Confidence Motion. 

MP Ranjith Madduma Banadara made the remarks in response to the Speaker’s decision on the No Confidence Motion submitted against the Deputy Minister of Defence, Aruna Jayasekara.

Addressing the Parliament today, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne said that there is no provision in the Constitution for a No-Confidence Motion against a Deputy Minister, and as such, the motion is not in order and cannot be accepted in its present form. 

A group of Opposition MPs submitted the No-Confidence Motion against Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara to the Speaker in August this year.

The No-Confidence Motion was submitted, citing serious concerns over his alleged involvement and conflict of interest in the investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks. (Newswire)

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Speaker of the Parliament, Jagath Wickramaratne, says the No-Confidence Motion (NCM) submitted against Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara will be studied and a decision will be announced soon. 

Addressing the Parliament today, the Speaker said that the NCM has been submitted, signed by 31 opposition lawmakers, including opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

He further said that the NCM will be studied, and the actions to be taken based on it will be communicated in due course. 

A group of Opposition MPs submitted the No-Confidence Motion against Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara to the Speaker last week. 

The Opposition has submitted the No-Confidence Motion against Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara, citing serious concerns over his 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. 

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.

The motion urges Parliament to remove Jayasekara from his ministerial post, arguing that public and institutional confidence in the investigation process cannot be restored while he remains in office. (Newswire)

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The No Confidence Motion (NCM) presented against Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena in Parliament has been defeated by a majority of 42 votes.

The No Confidence Motion against the Speaker was taken up for a vote today after a three day debate.

During the vote, 117 Parliamentarians had voted against the NCM, while 75 had voted in favour, while there were no abstentions. 

Following the announcement of the defeat of the NCM, Speaker Mahinda Yapa assumed the Speaker’s seat in Parliament and delivered a statement. 

In February, opposition parties, under the leadership of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, signed an NCM against Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene.

The NCM was brought against the Speaker for approving the Online Safety Bill in violation of Supreme Court conditions. (NewsWire)

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The No-Confidence Motion (NCM) presented against Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena will be taken up for a 2-day debate in Parliament next week.

The Committee on Parliamentary Business has decided to take up for debate the NCM against the Speaker on 19 and 20 March 2024. 

As per the decision taken during a meeting held today, the vote on the NCM will be held at 04.30 pm on March 20, 2024. 

In February, opposition parties, under the leadership of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, signed an NCM against Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene.

The NCM was brought against the Speaker for approving the Online Safety Bill in violation of Supreme Court conditions. (NewsWire)

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Several political parties have extended their support to the No Confidence Motion (NCM) presented against Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena. 

The main opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) presented the NCM against the Speaker of the Parliament for approving the Online Safety Bill in violation of Supreme Court conditions.

On Monday (Feb 26), Opposition parties, under the leadership of Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa signed the NCM against the Speaker.

SJB-affiliated parties, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake-led National Peoples Power (NPP), and the Wimal Weerawansa – Udaya Gammanpila Coalition led by MP Dullas Alahapperuma have all extended their support for the NCM. 

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP)- led by former President Maithripala Sirisena has also extended its support, but it is unclear what the SLFP members in the government would do. 

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) leader Mahinda Rajapaksa says he along with his party will support the Speaker, and reject the No Confidence Motion. (NewsWire)

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The Motion of No Confidence against Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella will be taken up for debate in Parliament next week.

According to the Parliament of Sri Lanka, the No Confidence Motion will be taken up for debate on 06, 07, and 08 September 2023.

The voting on the No Confidence Motion will take place at 5.30 p.m. on Friday, September 08.

The decision in this regard was taken at a meeting of the Parliamentary Business Committee. (NewsWire)

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The main Opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) today commenced obtaining signatures for the No Confidence Motion to be presented against the Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella. 

SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara stated that several members of the party, including SJB Leader MP Sajith Premadasa have placed their signatures in support of the No Confidence Motion. 

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday (July 18), MP Sajith Premadasa warned that the Opposition will present a No Confidence Motion against Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella soon.

At the time, MP Sajith Premadasa alleged there was a severe shortage of medicines and medical supplies in Sri Lanka, while also claiming that several deaths have been reported in the recent past due to the administration of substandard medication at various hospitals in the country.

“People who have been admitted for minor illnesses have died due to being administered substandard medication. We request the authorities to conduct investigations into these incidents and prevent further similar occurrences,” he said.

The Opposition also leader questioned why the Health Minister was silent despite repeated occurrences of deaths due to the administration of substandard medication.

During an exchange of words with the Health Minister, MP Sajith Premadasa said that the Opposition will present a No Confidence Motion against the Minister in Parliament soon. (NewsWire)

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The Opposition will present a No Confidence Motion against Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella soon, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said in Parliament today.

MP Sajith Premadasa alleged there was a severe shortage of medicines and medical supplies in Sri Lanka.

He claimed that several deaths have been reported in the recent past due to the administration of substandard medication at various hospitals in the country.

“People who have been admitted for minor illnesses have died due to being administered substandard medication. We request the authorities to conduct investigations into these incidents and prevent further similar occurrences,” he said.

MP Premadasa further urged authorities to immediately withdraw the questionable medications and to impose stringent action against those in charge of the procurement of the medicines.

The Opposition leader also questioned why the Health Minister was silent despite repeated occurrences of deaths due to the administration of substandard medication.

During an exchange of words with the Health Minister, MP Sajith Premadasa said that the Opposition will present a No Confidence Motion against the Minister in Parliament soon. (NewsWire)

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