Head Counting Game in Parliament to Form a New Government?

Both the UNP and the UPFA declared that they would be forming government of their own soon. With the joint opposition MPs, UPFA counts 96 members. Along with the support of a few of minority parties and 16 UNP back benchers, they hope to prove simple majority in parliament to remove Prime Minister and the government to pave way for the establishment of a new government. Joint opposition reported to have lured 16 UNP back benchers with the ministry portfolios in the new government to obtain their support. Joint Opposition and SLPP openly declared that they won’t accept any ministerial portfolios in the new government. But allow UNP back benchers to accept it. Hence, required simple majority in parliament to form a new government could be achieved, they believe.

In the meantime JO representatives met President Maithreepala Sirisena today and promised their support to form a new government. At the same time Minister Susil Premajayantha met Mahinda Rajapakshe at his official residence and assured him that the Prime Minister would be removed to give way to form a new government. In the meantime MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage said, that the President has discussed with him regarding cabinet reshuffle and confirmed that it would take place within ten days from today.  He made this revealing during an event, where a 57 feet long fishing boat built by the Ceynor foundation was put in operation today.

On the other hand UNP members met at temple trees and discussed about their next steps. UNP general secretary Kabir Hashim challenged the UPFA to prove their simple majority in parliament to remove Prime Minister and the Government.

Wait and see the game.