News
No-faith motion against Speaker defeated
By Saman Indrajith
The no-confidence motion against speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena was defeated in Parliament yesterday by a majority of 42 votes.The motion moved by the Opposition received 75 votes for and 117 against.
The SJB, TNA, JVP/NPP and dissident SLPP MPs voted for the motion, while the MPs supporting the government voted against the motion.The vote was taken around 4.40 pm yesterday after three days of debate which was presided over by Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakshe.
At the end of the debate, Chief Opposition Whip Kandy District MP Lakshman Kiriella called for a division.The vote was initially scheduled to be held on Wednesday (March 20), but it was put off by one day as per a decision taken at the Parliamentary Business Committee meeting to debate the no-confidence motion for three consecutive days.
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, during his speech, said that the government could have rejected the no-faith motion on technical grounds.
“We could have rejected this motion on the basis that it violated the policy that internal affairs of the Constitutional Council should not be made public. We have confidence in this Speaker. It was he who took the lead to protect parliament when the Aragalaya protesters were trying to march on parliament. He acted bravely to protect the parliamentary system. He worked in cooperation with the then Prime Minister to save Parliament,” Prime Minister Gunawardena said.
“There have been issues and disagreements between CC members in the past but no member disclosed them. However, the Opposition members of the current CC have disclosed inside information. This is an irresponsible act,” the Premier said.
Opposition and SJB leader Sajith Premadasa said that the Speaker had connived with the Executive in violation of the doctrine of the separation of power.
Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, who is in remand custody over charges of substandard immunoglobulin, too, had been allowed to be brought into the House to vote.
Mass Media Minister Bandula Gunawardena, who had been on an official visit to the US to take part in a conference organised by the World Bank, returned to the country on Wednesday night (20), on the directives of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Upon his arrival, Minister Gunawardena told the media that he had been called back to participate in a crucial vote on the no-confidence motion.
As part of the official visit to London for the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, held discussions with academic experts from the British Council on Wednesday [20 May 2026].
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in education, particularly in the areas of teacher training, English language programmes, education frameworks, and language acquisition skills.
The British Council shared international experience and highlighted its ongoing engagement in Sri Lanka, while expressing readiness to support the country through technical assistance, teacher development initiatives, and policy collaboration.
Discussions also included views on improving quality assurance, expanding research collaboration, and enhancing learning opportunities.
The Prime Minister appreciated the British Council’s continued engagement in Sri Lanka and reiterated the importance of deepening partnerships.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division’
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, met with members of the Sri Lankan community living in London on Wednesday [20th] and engaged in cordial discussions.
Despite the event being held on a weekday, it was notable that nearly one thousand Sri Lankans representing the Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities attended with great enthusiasm.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that despite natural disasters and international crises, the present government has succeeded in stabilizing the country’s economy while providing relief to the people. She further noted that Sri Lanka’s political culture has now undergone a positive transformation that is irreversible.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj, addressing the event, stated that a governance system has now been established in the country where all communities are treated equally and the benefits of economic development are shared fairly among all citizens.
Moving away from the traditional method of political gatherings, the event also provided an open platform for members of the Sri Lankan community to directly raise questions and express their views to the Prime Minister and the Minister.
Commenting on the organization of the event, the organizing committee stated that all expenses, including dinner, were borne by the participants themselves. The organizers further remarked that it is unsurprising that opposition groups, accustomed to organizing such events through the misuse of public funds, appear unsettled by this transparent process.
The occasion was attended by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya currently undertaking an official visit to London, United Kingdom, to participate in the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026 held a bilateral meeting with the Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom ON Wednesday [20]. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera, along with officials from the Sri Lankan High Commission.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the United Kingdom for the support extended in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa, including ongoing rebuilding and recovery assistance. The Prime Minister also commended the United Kingdom’s support in facilitating increased bilateral trade and exports for Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister briefed the UK delegation on Sri Lanka’s recent economic developments and policy priorities, the Government’s commitment to advancing human rights and reconciliation, as well as Sri Lanka’s positive growth trajectory.
The two sides also exchanged views on current global geopolitical developments, challenges in the energy sector, and the importance of enhancing regional connectivity and long-term energy security.
Both sides also emphasised the importance of strengthening structured academic mobility frameworks while ensuring fairness, clarity, and integrity within migration systems.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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