Is the JVP's no-confidence motion against government a plan to disrupt the no-confidence motion against Bathiudeen?

COLOMBO (News 1st) - In a backdrop where the joint opposition has presented a no-confidence motion in parliament against Minister Rishard Bathiudeen, the JVP has decided to present a no-confidence motion against the government. Several political figures shared their thoughts regarding this matter. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the JVP noted that government's incompetence led to the 4/21 calamity. He shared that a government which could not avoid such a calamity although they were informed on several occasions on the attack is not fit to govern at all. He went on to say that, therefore, they had decided to present a no-confidence motion tomorrow (May 21) against the Prime Minister, Defence Secretary and the Cabinet. Niroshan Perera, State Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs noted that he would vote against Minister Rishard Bathiudeen in the no-confidence motion if he refuses to step down from his ministerial position and assist the investigations into 4/21 attacks. Ceylon Today and Mawbima quoting MP Kavinda Jayawardena reported that he would stand with the public's decision. He has also said that he should act in a manner that will serve justice to the Catholic community. MP Hector Appuhamy said he expects to make an explanation in this regard in parliament tomorrow(May 21). Roshan Ranasinghe, UPFA MP noted that the JVP's no-confidence motion against the Ranil Wickremesinghe and the government is actually an agenda by the premier himself. He expressed that several MPs from the UNP itself are willing to vote against the no-confidence motion against Minister Rishard Bathiudeen and if they are to do so, the UNP would fall apart. He believed that the Prime minister had given the contract the JVP to stop the UNP splitting. He added that they have a contract to destroy the country. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the JVP noted that they do not intend to overshadow the no-confidence motion against Rishard Bathiudeen with their no-confidence motion. However, he noted that they would discuss the matter with the opposition leader and if he approves they would take their no-confidence motion against the government first. UPFA MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena noted that they would discuss the matter at the party leaders meeting tomorrow(May 21) and come to a decision. He added that they have to find JVP's true motive behind this no-confidence motion. G.L. Peiris, Chairman of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna said that they have no intention of suppressing the no-confidence motion against Rishard Bathiudeen and the Speaker would fix two separate dates for both motions. J.C. Alawathuwala, State Minister of Internal and Home Affairs and Provincial Councils and Local Government and Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, General Secretary of the UNP noted that this was not the first no-confidence motion against the government which they emerged victorious against every no-confidence motion and this would be no different. UPFA MP, Kanchana Wijesekara noted that when the provincial council election act was presented to Parliament, the government lacked 3 votes to obtain the 2/3rd majority and with the votes of 6 JVP parliamentarians the election system of the provincial councils was changed. He added that when Mahinda Rajapaksa was appointed as the Prime Minister on October 26th, it was Anura Kumara led JVP that helped Ranil Wickremesinghe to reappoint himself as the premier. He went on to note that the no-confidence motion against Rishard Bathiudeen is included in the parliamentary agenda and a party leaders meeting is to be convened tomorrow(May 21) and they would discuss the matter. He believed that the no-confidence motion against the government would distract everyone from the no-confidence motion against Rishard Bathiudeen and all the UNP members who are prepared to leave would start supporting the party ultimately strengthening the UNP. He also said that the TNA will be left without an alternative and would have to support the government in the no-confidence motion for the sake of their future political plans. UPFA MP, Mahindananda Aluthgamage said that Rishard Bathiudeen was a national list nomination representing JVP as he funded the JVP. He noted that it was not a surprise that Anura Kumara would come to the aid of the government. He stressed that the no-confidence motion against Rishard Bathiudeen does not symbolise the objection towards the entire Muslim community and it is only against one individual. UPFA MP, Shehan Semasinghe noted that since 2015 the JVP did not represent their country and instead they strongly supported Ranil Wickremesinghe and reaped rewards for their loyalty. He added that again as the government is unstable the JVP has come to the rescue.