Sri Lanka Speaker Faces First-Ever No-Confidence Motion

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's opposition has announced its intention to submit a motion of no-confidence against Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena during the parliamentary session scheduled for tomorrow. 

This marks an unprecedented event in Sri Lanka’s parliamentary history, as no previous Speaker has faced such a motion.

The decision by the opposition comes as a result of their conviction that there are no viable alternatives. 

Notably, all opposition parties and affiliated groups have rallied behind this move, said Professor G. L. Peiris, representing the defection group Freedom People's Congress.

The crux of the motion revolves around the Speaker’s alleged misconduct during the third phase of passing the Online Safety Act within the parliamentary chambers. The opposition groups assert that he shirked his responsibilities entirely.

The stakes are high, particularly in light of the impending Anti-Terrorism Bill. 

Professor G. L. Peiris said that, should the Speaker exhibit similar conduct during its deliberations, it could have serious repercussions for the country on the international stage. 

Consequently, the motion of no-confidence against the Speaker must be addressed before the Anti-Terrorism Bill is debated in Parliament, emphasizing the urgency of the matter, he added.