UNP can form new Govt. if need arises: Wijepala

The United National Party (UNP) will not hesitate to form a new government by showing a majority in Parliament if the present regime continues its political victimisation, MP Wijepala Hettiarachchi said yesterday.

He said his party could show a majority in Parliament if and when it was necessary and have a new Prime Minister and a Cabinet appointed.

The MP condemned the dismissal of more than 1,000 employees from State institutions and the recent arrest of MP Patali Champika Ranawaka.

“There is the likelihood of the government proroguing Parliament on January 3, 2020, after the President makes the policy statement,” he said and added that it was only through Parliament that the tax concessions proposed by the government could be given legal validity.

The MP said the previous government did not prorogue Parliament after January 8, 2019, even though it did not enjoy a majority but moved to increase the salaries of public servants and repeal the 18 Amendment to the Constitution and introduce the 19th Amendment. (Yohan Perera)