The United National Party (UNP) said the no confidence motion submitted by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) against Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila will only create a platform for the government to stand united regardless of divisions within.   

Making his remarks to the media in a video message, UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara said the SJB’s move was politically ill advised as a result .  

He said the government had been plagued with internecine warfare .  

“It is literately rotten and is stinking . One faction is calling for the return of Mr. Basil Rajapaksa . Now the SJB has handed over a no confidence against the Energy Minister over the fuel price hike . The government will be united to face it. As such,, we suspect whether the SJB did resort to this move with an understanding of the government ,” he said.  

Also, he said the price hike was announced as a decision by the Cost of Living Committee chaired by the President and the Prime Minister .  

“The SJB has singled out only Minister Gammanpila . Is it because the SJB fears the Rajapaksas?” he asked.