The United National Party (UNP)’s Working Committee took Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapakshe to task on August 17 alleging that he was deliberately delaying the institution of legal action against the officers and members of the previous regime responsible for massive frauds, irregularities and large scale corruption. In addition he was blamed for violating collective responsibility of the cabinet . In this regard he expressed views against the cabinet decision in respect of the Hambantota Port. Almost all members of the UNP working Committee was critical of his delaying tactics.
However, the Minister denied it saying he could not interfere with the independent functions of judiciary and totally rejected the allegations.
He was given time till yesterday to explain his position to the party. At the party’s parliamentary group meeting yesterday , it is learnt that State Minister Sujeewa Senasinghe inquired whether Wijedasa Rajapakshe had responded to the allegations. It transpired at the meeting that he had not done so. Accordingly, the UNP decided that Mr. Rajapakshe should step down or be removed from office.
Accordingly, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday contacted President Maithripala Sirisena and conveyed his party’s decision to expel Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapakshe from his post, it is learnt.
Constitutionally, the President is empowered to remove a Cabinet Minister.
