Govt. denies reports that Premier mulls resignation

The government yesterday denied reports that Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa would resign from the Premier post and said it was ready to face the no-confidence motions presented by the Opposition.

However, the Premier would deliver a statement today (05) or tomorrow (06) on the current economic situation in the country, Leader of the House Dinesh Gunawardena said.

“These reports are false. The PM has informed the ruling party MPs that such a decision has not been taken during the ruling party MPs’ meeting held in Parliament.”

Gunawardena yesterday (04) said in Parliament that an NCM should be presented in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages in accordance with the Constitution and the Standing Orders of Parliament.

If the Speaker has accepted it, it should not be debated until five working days had lapsed from the day on which the motion was included in the Order Book, Gunawardena said, adding that the MPs should be given the opportunity to read and study the motions during that time.