117 to Ranil from confidence vote!

117 to Ranil from confidence vote!

3.00 pm -- Update

Confidence vote taken for Mr. Ranil Wickremasingha in relation to the position of Prime Minister was confirmed in parliament in favour of Mr. Wickremasingha. After Ranil claimed his victory, a speech offering his thanks was made.

United National Front and Tamil National Alliance voted in favour of Ranil. SLFP and the Alliance
had abstained from voting. It was mentioned that results of the confidence motion would be conveyed to President by the Speaker. Parliament was adjourned till 18th.

2.30 pm -- Update

The parliament assembled today by initially bringing in the confidence proposal for Mr. Ranil Wickramasingha. The proposal was brought by member of parliament Sajith Pemadasa of UNP and was seconded by member of parliament Mangala Samaraweera. Subsequently opinions were expressed by the TNA and JVP leader Anura Kumara.

What Sajith Premadasa stated was that the President should take steps to organise the country which is presently on an unstable footing. He made a request that Ranil Wickremasingha be appointed for this purpose. What Sajith Premadasa said was that all work carried out by government has turned into a mess that parliament should be regulated in order to lay plans for the next year. He added that President should reinstate Ranil Wickramasingha as Prime Minister this evening itself.

A representative of TNA spoke and mentioned that he and 14 others had forwarded a letter to President supporting the reinstatement of Ranil Wickremasingha to be made Prime Minister and accordingly, today also they are prepared to provide the same support.