Democracy will always prevail and the public is our priority - Sajith Premadasa

Colombo (News 1st) - Deputy Leader of the UNP Sajith Premadasa expressed his views on the events that transpired in parliament todaay. Responding to a journalist, Sajith Premadasa stated that the outcome of the Parliamentary proceeding today was democratic and that democracy has prevailed. He went on to state that the speaker had requested the members of the parliament to participate in a vote, for the suspension of standing orders and the vote of No confidence. He stated that it was visible that the majority was not in their seats and that the minority was trying to disrupt the process. When questioned on what Mahinda Rajapaksa should do now, MP Sajith Premadasa noted that he is not in a position to tell the former President what he should do. He stated that he is quite capable of coming to his own conclusions regarding his future steps. He also noted that however, the question is not what Mahinda Rajapaksa should do but what all of us should do. Premadasa reiterated that democracy has to prevail and that it is their duty to uphold it. He then stated that this particular democratic victory should never ever be used to promote personal political agendas, vengeance or violence. He stated that this was not done to create internal civil strife. He stated that this memorable occasion should be used to enhance democracy to promote freedom and to focus on the Economic and Social rights of the people of our country. He explained that while this political circus is going on, there are millions who are in poverty, millions without shelter and millions who have no land.  MP Sajith Premadasa stated that everybody should get their priorities straight. He stated that Ranil Wickramasinghe as the leader of the UNF should be given the opportunity to form a government and serve the country. When questioned whether he has an opportunity to be sworn in as the PM, Premadasa explained that he does not want to impute intentions onto those particular decision makers and that it's up to them to decide. He notes that whatever they do, they should follow the democratic path. When questioned if President Maithripala Sirisena's would be capable of working with Ranil Wickremesinghe once again, the UNP deputy leader responded in this manner, "well you know they say that a week is a long time in politics. I would want to say that a millisecond is a long time in politics. And there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies. I think certain declarations, proclamations and statements are given in an emotional environment. I think when sanity prevails the right thing will be done by the country."