Sajith calls Speaker ‘Tom Pachaya’  

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  

Whilst the Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa claimed that Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena had informed the party leaders’ meeting that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is willing to resign if they make a formal request, The Speaker vehemently denied the claim causing an uproar.

Premadasa said the Speaker came up with this information during the party leaders meeting which was called by the Speaker last morning. However, the Speaker was silent about the claim at that time.  
However. The Speaker later claimed that he did not make such a comment . He said Premadasa had misunderstood him.  
He said what the President had informed him was that the government will be handed over to anyone who is able to muster the support of the majority 
in Parliament.  

Speaker
I have to make a clarification on a report that is being circulated on social media that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had informed the Speaker that he is willing to resign if the party leaders make a request.  
Leader of Opposition
You said the President is willing to resign if the party leaders want him to do so, MP Dinesh Gunawardena was in front of me during the party leaders meeting. I have to tell you that you are lying.  

Speaker
What I said was that the President was willing to hand over the government to any one who could muster the support of 113 MPs in Parliament.  

Speaker
What I said was that the President was willing to hand over the government to any one who could muster the support of 113 MPs in Parliament  
Leader of Opposition
The Speaker should tell the House that he had made a mistake  
Speaker
It is you who has made a mistake  
Leader of Opposition
Tom pacha kiyanna epa ( don’t tell blatant lies) You are a tom Pachaya  
Speaker
It is you who speaks Tom Pacha don’t insult the chair.  
A government MP in the background
The Leader of the Opposition should withdraw the statement  
Leader of Opposition
No I won’t withdraw my statement . Wadiwenawa halo , Halparuwa.