Ministerial crisis : Backbenchers to take a firm stand

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Various issues have begun to crop up following the appointment of the Cabinet of Ministers. A number of MPs were seen airing their grievances before the media. UNP MP Hesha Withanage speaking to the media today stated that they have taken a firm stance on the issue. Withanage stated that it was the UNPers who worked hard to overcome the political instability that was caused recently. He stated that there are those who are attempting to undermine the efforts of the UNP loyalists and serve the needs of certain members who live in Colombo 7. The MP noted that if this continues they will act as independent MPs and vote against the expenditure heads of those ministers when the time comes for the budget. Withanage also claimed that there is no need for UNP national list MPs to be granted ministerial portfolios. UPFA MP S. M. Chandrasena speaking to the media noted that although people like Malik Samarawickrama, Rishad Bathudeen and Mano Ganeshan had openly stated that they do not expect for any ministerial positions prior to being sworn in, they are the same persons who have been vested with the most ministerial portfolios. Commenting at an event held in Anuradhapura he said that all these statements made by them were only to mislead the backbenchers of the UNP. He went onto note that the young leaders within the party are disappointed by the actions of Ranil Wickremesinghe Meanwhile addressing a public rally in Hambantota, UPFA General Secretary Mahinda Amaraweera claimed that 80% of the ministers, state ministers and deputy ministers who were appointed are unhappy with their positions. He went onto note that many of the MPs are also unhappy as they had not received anything. Amaraweera noted that while the ruling party was in chaos, their side also suffered some casualties as 6 MPs crossed over. The MP also claimed that both the SLPP as well as the TNA are also suffering from internal issues. He noted that this results in politicians dedicating their time to sorting out their own issues instead of working on behalf of the people.