MR Says He Advised His Party Not To Take Over Government After Last Presidential Election As Ruling Party Had No Majority In Parliament

February 22, 2020

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said advised his party not to accept the government after the last presidential election.

Addressing a meeting in Harispattuwa, Rajapaksa said, "The opposition had a parliamentary majority and it was almost impossible to form a government. I suggested that the UNP should be asked to continue in the government until the parliamentary election."

"But the majority of our party wanted to take over the government," the Prime Minister said, adding that due to the current composition in Parliament, the government could get the supplementary estimate passed in the House.

"However, this won't be a problem hereafter as the President is allowed to dissolve Parliament anytime after March 02."