MP Rohitha A. says he will put first signature on resolution to dissolve Parliament

• Says election only solution as no one wants to take over Govt.
• Says Executive Presidency must be abolished and power given to Parliament
• SJB MP says they support early polls

Former Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena yesterday told Parliament that he would put the first signature on a resolution for Parliament to dissolve itself to facilitate an early election.

Former Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena

“The President can dissolve Parliament at earliest in April next year. If we want to hold elections before that we have to pass a resolution to dissolve the Parliament. I will be the first to place my signature on such a resolution,” Abeygunawardena said.

He also said the Executive Presidency must be abolished and power must come to the Parliament.

The SLPP MP said what the people are demanding is a solution from the 225 in Parliament to their problems but if they are unable to do so an election is the only solution. “I have been in politics for 40 years. If the people want me to go home, I will do that,” he said. Abeywardena said the Opposition has handed over two No-Confidence Motions to the Speaker and they must take you for debate without delay. “These motions must be debated as soon as possible. We have to allow that,” he said. Referring to the proposals for an all-party government, the MP said that if such an arrangement is to be successful, all parties must be in it, not just the SLPP and the dissident group.

“After the statement by the Finance Minister Ali Sabry to the House about the dismal fiscal situation in the country, it is unlikely anyone will want to take over the Government. None of the 225 here want to take the responsibility.  I challenge anyone to take the Government and run it for six months,” he said.

Abeywardena said whoever comes to power will have to face the same music that the Government is facing now.

“We are at a decisive time. The Government must either say it is strong enough to face the challenges before the country or the inert government proposal must be implemented. Otherwise, the only option is to dissolve the Parliament and go for fresh polls,” he said.

SJB MP Harsha de Silva who responded to the SLPP MP said his party is ready for elections.” There is no other way to solve this problem,” he said.