The country is likely to be pushed towards a snap general election following the 2024 budget debate in light of the political uncertainties resultant from the minor cabinet reshuffle, reported ‘Deshaya’ newspaper.
Quoting highly-placed political sources, it said the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) was having internal talks on boycotting the votes on five selected ministries.
Party strongman S.B. Dissanayake has told the media that they would even be prepared to defeat the budget for next year.
SLPP general secretary Sagara Kariyawasam has publicly criticized the cabinet changes – especially the cabinet and state portfolios for plantation industries being given to the SLFP.
When contacted, UNP general secretary Palitha Range Bandara declined to say what action his party would take if the SLPP decided to leave the government, saying that party has yet to make such an intimation officially.
Attempt to bully SLPP
A meeting of SLPP politicians at the Malalasekara Mawatha home of MP Namal Rajapaksa has discussed certain media reports the government was considering dissolving parliament after the budget’s presentation.
These reports are an organized attempt intended at scaring the SLPP, that incidentally came after backbenchers proposed to defeat the votes of certain ministries, said the participants.
