• It is pointless bringing in the NCM before the Finance Minister’s speech”
• Minister Dinesh Gunawardena asked why the opposition failed to bring in the  no-confidence motion as claimed earlier

By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera  

Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday the no-confidence motion (NCM) against the government was delayed following a request made by him.  

He said this when Leader of the House Dinesh Gunawardena asked as to why the opposition failed to bring in the no-confidence motion against the government as claimed earlier.  

“The opposition claimed that they would bring in a no-confidence motion against the government. It is Friday today. Why is it not presented as claimed?,” he asked.  

Mr. Wickremesinghe said that it was pointless bringing in the no-confidence motion before the speech of the Finance Minister who was in Washington to engage in discussions with the IMF.  

“I requested to delay the NCM. It is pointless bringing in the NCM before the Finance Minister’s speech. We can get together and discuss what should be done after his speech,” he said. 

• Mr. Wickremesinghe said everyone should get together and discuss what should be done after his speech