20.11.2007
The leader of JVP Somawansa Amarasinghe
says that his party will vote against the Budget even on
its third reading scheduled for December 14. "We will
maintain the same stand of yesterday's second reading. But
we will observe political developments in the next few weeks"
Mr. Amarasinghe said speaking to the press today.
Yesterday's
Budget debate and voting has been one of the most closely
watched one ever in the Sri Lanka's 225 members Parliament.
Sri
Lanka's ruling party managed to pass its crucial vote on
the Budget with a majority of 16 votes - 118 votes in favor
and 102 votes against.
In
a sudden U-turn in their stance, the Marxist leftist party
JVP voted against the Budget-along with the TNA, and the
UNP. Earlier, the crucial JVP vote –a total of 37
votes, was expected to go in favor of the government.
JVP
MP Wimal Weerawansa addressing the Parliament
yesterday said that the dignity of Members of Parliament
is no more. "We can very clearly see the behind the
scene maneuvers and horse trading to buy off MPs to the
other side at Rs. 500 million. The people in Sri Lanka now
call the Parliament MPs as "Rs. 50 million pieces"
(Rupiyal Koti Pahey Kaalla!)" – just as private
bus conductors call the passengers as "pieces"
Weerawansa said.
Courtesy - Asian
Tribune
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