MPs in the opposition "cannot do anything." - Min. Weerawansa

COLOMBO (News 1st): Representatives from the ruling party convened a media briefing at the Prime Minister's office today (November 22). Speaking at the briefing, Minister of Housing and Social Welfare Wimal Weerawansa said that when a No Confidence Motion is passed in the house, officials who prepare the hanzard report include the numbers voted for and against the motion. He pointed out that the hanzard report which was released following the motion against the current government, it lacked the said figures. "On one side they say that they do not accept the Prime Minister nor the cabinet. The same people who say this are the ones who bring proposals to reduce expenditure of the Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers and their staff," he added. Min. Weerawansa stated that a monetary bill or a motion can only be presented by a minister. He said, "even a minister would put forward such a proposal after consulting the cabinet of ministers." He went on to say that the Parliamentarians in the opposition "cannot do anything." and questioned their constitutional right to put forward proposals requesting for expenditure to be cut off. "By accepting these proposals, the Speaker and General Secretary of Parliament are intentionally violating the country's constitution," said Min. Wimal Weerawansa.