UNP fails to block Vote on Account

Irangika Range and Sandasen Marasinghe

Attempts by the UNP led by its leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to disrupt the presentation of the Vote on Account for the first four months of the year 2010 proved a failure when Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara stated the motion could be moved.

The Speaker declared his decision rejecting all the legal arguments submitted by Wickremesinghe.

Thereafter, Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama presenting the Vote on Account amidst applause of the Government, stated that the speech made by Wickremesinghe was a swan song.

Objecting to the presentation of Vote on Account, the Opposition Leader stated that the Vote on Accounts cannot be presented without passing a special motion in Parliament according to the constitution and the fiscal responsibilities management act.

UNP MP Lakshman Kiriella endorsed the opinion of his leader.

At the outset, Chief Opposition Whip Joseph Michael Perera objected to the presentation and an uproar ensued with noisy protest by the Government members against him.

The Opposition Leader continued to speak thereafter.

Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama in response stated that party leaders agreed with the presentation of the Vote on Account at the party leaders’ meeting.

If there were any legal issues the opposition could resort to legal action.

Referring to parliamentary history Dr. Amunugama stated that this was the 13th Vote on Account presented before the Parliament. Speaker Lokubandara making his decision said that it was agreed to present a Vote on Account at the party leaders meeting and this was published by the media.

He said Parliament is vested with powers to present a Vote on Account on special occasions under the provisions of 26(1) of the Fiscal Responsibilities Management Act. “So my decision is the Vote on Account can be presented,” the Speaker declared. Again chaos reigned as the UNP members started to protest thumping on their desks. When Dr. Amunugama started to present the Vote on Account, the opposition leader left the House. At this stage, Dr. Amunugama quarried as to how the UNP asked for power from the people when it cannot tolerate the Speaker’s decision.

The Minister asserted that those who left the House then, would leave Parliament forever with the next election.