• Snr. SLPPer claims difficult to convince party MPs to vote to keep Public Security Minister, alleges arbitrary decision-making  

The ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has stated that it would be difficult to convince SLPP Parliamentarians to vote against a possible no-confidence motion (NCM) against Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles.

Opposition MP Lalith Ellawala, who was earlier an SLPP MP, recently warned of an NCM against Alles if the latter fails to take the required measures to address the rising crime rate and crack down on underworld activities. In addition to Opposition MPs, he claimed that many SLPP MPs are also willing to support the possible NCM.

When queried by The Daily Morning as to whether the SLPP had discussed the matter, a senior member of the SLPP, who is also an MP, said that there had been no discussion on the matter as there was no concrete preparation to move an NCM. “He (Ellawala) said that they would bring an NCM against the minister, and nothing beyond that statement has happened. So, there was no need for us to have a specific discussion on the matter.”

However, considering the SLPP MPs’ attitude towards Alles, he said that it would be difficult for the SLPP to convince them to vote against an NCM against Alles, in the event such is brought by the Opposition. “I know that many SLPP MPs are not happy with Alles’ conduct. He does not listen to anyone and acts in the way he prefers. We were able to convince our MPs to vote against the NCM against Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, but, I don’t think that it will be possible to do this in the case of an NCM against Alles.”

Speaking to The Daily Morning last week, Ellawala said that the decision to move an NCM against Alles had been taken following discussions with both Opposition and Government MPs. “We are giving him (Alles) one month’s time to address these issues. If he cannot do so within that course of time, we will definitely move an NCM against him. There are Opposition as well as Government MPs who are willing to support it. I am confident that we will be able to get it passed.” 

For his part, Alles has questioned Ellawala’s ignorance on the subject, stating that crimes including underworld activities cannot, by their nature, be eradicated in such a hasty manner.