Debate on National Government to proceed tomorrow despite opposition objections

COLOMBO(News 1st) - Following the party leaders meeting it has been decided to take up the debate on the formation of a National Government, tomorrow(February 07). The leader of the JVP, Anura Kumara Dissanayake told News1st that this decision was taken despite the firm objection of the opposition. Anura Kumara said that the party leaders convened today(February 06) at 2.30pm and the proposal on the formation of a national government is to be taken up for debate for tomorrow (February 07) based on the sole requirement of the ruling party. He added that the proposal suggests increasing the number of cabinet ministers from 30 to 41 and deputy and state ministers from 40 to 45. He noted that the only party which is in favour of the proposal was the Muslim Congress. Dissanayake classified the effort to form a national Government as an effort by the  PM to increase the number of ministerial portfolios to allow his subordinates to misuse billions worth of public property and money. He noted that the proposal should be defeated. "President has a very special responsibility in this matter. The President will be giving away these portfolios. We believe that the President should not let this stubborn act of Ranil Wickremesinghe become a reality"  Dissanayake concluded. Opposition Leader, Mahinda Rajapaksa has also opposed the formation of a National Government. He added that taking this matter up for a debate based on the decision of the government is a total exploitation of their power. UPFA MP Dinesh Gunawardena also shared his ideas on the matter. He noted that they are against the process that the Government is following to bring the proposal on the formation of a national government into parliament. He stated that the MPs have been informed that a seperate matter would be taken up for discussion tomorrow. He went on to say that both UPFA and the TNA rejected this and the government is alone with Muslim Congress. When Lakshman Kiriella, Leader of the House was inquired of the decision he said that they do not usually suspend standing orders but in a state emergency they would. He noted that despite the opposition of a few parties they took the decision anyway as the government affairs need to be prioritized. He finally added he was confident that they would have an adequate amount of votes to form a national government.