UNP Parliamentary Group to meet today to decide on NCM against Bathiudeen

• Says collective decision will be taken 
• Claims NCM based on political motives
• Request parents to send children to schools
• Exams will not be delayed

The United National Party (UNP) yesterday said the party will take a final decision at the Parliamentary Group today over the No-Confidence Motion handed over to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya against Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen by the Joint Opposition last week. 

Parliamentarians who back Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa handed over the No-Confidence Motion against Bathiudeen last Thursday, alleging the Minister had links with several suspects who were arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks. 

Speaking to media at his official residence in Colombo, Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said the UNP will take a collective decision on the No-Confidence Motion, and all members of the UNP will work according to the final decision. 

“We will never support any No-Confidence Motion that is brought based on hatred and hidden political agendas,” he added. 

He argued that Bathiudeen was a Minister of the Rajapaksa government and worked closely with most of the MPs who signed the No-Confidence Motion. He claimed the purpose of bringing the No-Confidence Motion was based on political interest.  

“We are capable of handling situations like that. We have shown that in the past, therefore as the General Secretary of the UNP, I have confidence that we can face this No-Confidence Motion,” he added. 

He pointed out that during last year’s constitutional crisis, the UNP had been able to work as one group, and the UNP would use the same method during the upcoming No-Confidence Motion against Bathiudeen. Kariyawasam also said the Government has the capability to win the upcoming elections. “The UNP will be the Government for the next five years as well. People have faith in us and our development projects.” Meanwhile, Kariyawasam requested parents to send their children to schools as the country returned to normalcy.  He noted security forces informed him that national security returned to normalcy, therefore schools can be open for studies.  “I will not take any decision to put children in danger. As a father, I know how parents feel in a situation like this. But I can assure it is safe to send your children to school,” he added. 

He said the Government had taken necessary measures to increase the safety of schools, and further discussion would also be carried out with experts to improve the safety of students. 

Kariyawasam noted any exam would not be delayed, and all exams including Advanced Level examination and Ordinary Level exam would be held according to the schedule. 

“Examination Department has an exam calendar, so it is hard to change that, therefore we will not change dates of the exams.” However, Kariyawasam noted they might have to shorten August school vacations, and hold study sessions on Saturdays to cover the syllabuses. 

(NS)