Catholic MPs vary on no-confidence motion

By Yohan Perera   

UNP Catholic MPs vary on the no confidence motion that have been brought against Minister of Industry & Commerce, Resettlement of Protracted Displaced Persons, Co-operative Development and Vocational Training & Skills Development Rishad Bathiudeen by the joint opposition.

Some UNP Catholic MPs are likely to vote in favour of the no confidence motion against Bathiudeen, the Daily Mirror learns.   

UNP MP for Gampaha District Dr. Kavinda Jayawardene said he will seek the advice of Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith before deciding on his vote. Dr. Jayawardene also said he will also have to see the pulse of Catholic community as well. “ My vote may go against Minister Bathiudeen,” he said at the same time.

   
UNP MP for Puttalam District Hector Appuharmy said he too would decide on the pulse of the people. “People talk much about Minister Bathiudeen. I too think that he should resign from his post. I will focus on the country when deciding on my vote,” the MP stressed.   

State Minister Niroshan Perera said he will also have to vote in favour of the motion. I have studied the motion and since the Army Commander has said Minister’s action have enabled the terrorists to carry out Easter Sunday attacks I will be compelled to vote in favour of the motion,” he said.   

Minister of Sports and Foreign Employment Promotion Harin Fernando who is also a Catholic said one must look at the charges made against Minister Bathiudeen in the no confidence motion before making a decision.   

Minister of Tourism and Christian Affairs John Amaratunga said he will go along with the party line where the no confidence motion is concerned. “ I will abide with whatever stand my party takes with regard to the motion,” he said.   

Minister Ravi Karunanayake said it was a matter of whether Minister Bathiudeen had really helped the terrorists or not. “If he has really helped the terrorists and if it is proven it would be a different matter. However one cannot vote in favour if the motion is a scandalous one.