’How can I give elections when you are not ready to take even NCM?’ President asks Sajith

Claiming that the Opposition has declined to take up the debate on the no-confidence motion (NCM) on Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella this week, President Ranil Wickremesinghe questioned as to how he can give an election when the Opposition is not ready to take up even the no-confidence motion.

He told Parliament that the government offered the no-confidence motion moved by the opposition on Minister Rambukwella this week and that they did not take it.

"You want elections. How can I give elections when you are not ready even to take a motion of no-confidence," he questioned.

The President said there is a convention that when there is a no-confidence motion, it should be disposed of immediately.

"We are ready to take up the debate soon. We are ready to have it tomorrow, the day after and on Saturday," the President said.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said the government wanted to debate it soon and finish it. 

"We want a longer period of time. We want not only one day but a three-day debate. The government wants to take it soon and finish it. Please do it properly," he said.(Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera)