Nearly 20 civil organisations launching a “satyagraha” protest campaign in front of the Ministry of Health condemning parliamentarians who voted against a no-confidence motion (NCM) targeting Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and demanding solutions to issues in the health sector are to be supported by the main Parliamentary Opposition party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), and other Opposition groups.

Representatives of several civil organisations, such as the Electricity Consumers Association (ECA), the “Magen Ratata” organisation, and the All Ceylon Canteen Owners’ Association launched a “satyagraha” protest campaign in front of the ministry for the second day yesterday (14).

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday, ECA Chairman Sanjeewa Dhammika, who was present during the protest, said that SJB Parliamentarian Dr. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana and former MP Mujibur Rahman had visited the protest on Wednesday (13). “They came here on Wednesday and said that they would support our move. In addition, several other Opposition groups have assured their support for this ‘satyagraha’ protest.”

The SJB moved an NCM against Rambukwella over the alleged importation of “substandard” pharmaceutical drugs and surgical equipment, and irregularities in the health sector. It was defeated by a majority vote in Parliament on 8 September. A total of 73 MPs voted in favour of the motion and 113 MPs voted against it while 38 MPs were not present in Parliament during the vote.