IMF deal leaves opposition split into four stands

• SLPP Independent group votes in favour, SLFP abstains
• Main Opposition SJB, TNA absent, SLPP Dullas group vote against
• Parliament gives go-ahead for IMF programme 

By Yohan Perera

Parliament yesterday approved the government’s arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with 120 MPs voting for it. The opposition parties appeared divided on the IMF agreement since only 25 MPs raised their hands against the move in the House whereas the other parties and groups remained absent or abstained from voting, an act that can be interpreted as an indirect endorsement of the IMF deal. The MPs belonging to the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Uttara Lanka Sabawa, the Tamil National Alliance and the Tamil National People’s Front were absent.  

It can be interpreted as an act supportive of the IMF agreement in an indirect form.

The SJB failed to decide whether to vote for or against in Parliament because it is divided in opinion on the matter, according to inside political sources.
 Daily Mirror learns that some members including leader Sajith Premadasa wanted to vote against the IMF programme in the House whereas the others want to take a stand in favour.  
However, all the SJB MPs except Colombo District parliamentarian A.H.M. Fowzie were absent. Mr. Fowzie voted along with the government.   The two MPs of the Tamil National People’s Front voted against.   

The debate on the IMF Extended Fund Facility (EFF) agreement ended yesterday. The debate took tense at times, with the MPs across the floor hurling abuses against each other.
A statement issued by Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella earlier said his party decided to refrain from voting in favour of the agreement due to lack of transparency by the government when it comes to informing the House on deals with the IMF, issues pertaining to fiscal consolidation policy of the government where measures of cutting down expenditure are missing, using politics in the social safety net and inadequate assurances on anti-corruption measures were given as reasons for the decision. 

The SLPP Independent Group sitting in the opposition supported the IMF arrangement by voting in favour. Its MPs Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Sudarshani Fernandopulle, Priyankara Jayaratne and Duminda Dissanayake also voted in favour. 

Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekera said his party decided to abstain from voting.

• The SJB failed to decide whether to vote for or against in Parliament
• The SLPP Independent Group sitting in the opposition supported the IMF arrangement by voting in favour