Questions Over Vote On Account For Government Express: "Cabinet Approval" Granted But Unlikely To Pass In Parliament

November 28, 2018

President Maithripala Sirisena's office said, "Cabinet approval" has been granted to a Vote on Account for the expenses of the first four months of the government. 

However, it is not entirely clear if the Vote on Account will be presented to Parliament, for approval. Conflicting views have been expressed by members of the UPFA on the need to present the Vote on Account for Parliament's approval. 

However, Addressing a press conference at the Prime Minister's Office this morning, UPFA Parliamentarian Vasudewa Nanayakkara said the Vote on Account would be put to Parliament. 

"We will put it to Parliament and pass it with a majority. We will find a majority when we need," Nanayakkara said responding to questions raised by journalists. 

Commenting on the remark, a UNP PArliamentarian said Nanayakkara's statement was nothing more than a joke. 

"How can they present a Vote on Account in Parliament without a parliamentary majority? They can't even draw the support of 90 MPs for the VOC. They cannot get 'Cabinet approval' for a Vote on Account, as there is no Cabinet in the country," the UNP MP added.