• Faizal Cassim, M.H.Taufiq and Ishaq Rahman to function as independent MPs
• Discussions with the government on the current crisis has been futile

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  

Three more government MPs have decided to function as independent MPs in Parliament, MP Faizal Cassim said yesterday.  

Accordingly, Faizal Cassim, M. H.Taufiq and Ishaq Rahman have decided to function as independent MPs.  

This was announced by  MP Cassim in the House yesterday amidst cheers of the opposition MPs who were present in the chamberat that time. These MPs who were members of SJB supported the government to get the 20th Amendment to the constitution approved and voted with the government for every legislation that was brought up since then.  

“ We were supporting the government all these days but we have decided to function independently from today. We have had several discussions with the government on the current crisis. However those in the government do not heed

our suggestions. Therefore we have decided that we cannot remain with the government,” he said.  

With this decision by three MPs the total number of MPs who have become independent had increased to 42. Around 39 MPs including those from the SLFP, and others who represent the SLPP sat in the opposition on Tuesday.  

The ruling party enjoys a razor thin majority following the latest defection.