“Govt’s Majority is Not Affected due to the Crosses over of SLMC”

(December, 13, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Leader of the House and Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva claims that the government’s majority is not affected due to the cross over of four Muslim Congress MPs to the opposition.

Three members including Muslim Congress Leader Rauff Hakeem crossed over to the opposition this afternoon. Basir Segudawood, Hassen Ali and Faizel Cassim are the others who took seats in the opposition. Expressing views on this situation, the Minister said that the government will win the budget vote as their cross over will not impact them. He added that they will definitely win the vote.

Meanwhile, the Government back television channel, the ITN has been collected ideas from pro Government businessmen in Sri Lanka on budget 2008.

According to news released by the ITN, “Government’s desire is to win the third reading of the budget and to create a prosperous country by uplifting the national economy.”

Deshamanya Lalith Kothalawala, Chairman of Ceylinco Group of Companies said this is an extraordinary budget. It deals more on development.

Chairman of the Mawbima Lanka Foundation Ariyaseela Wickramanayake said they should have a country to meet all the objectives. The war is waged as a war. They should have a country first. Therefore, it is the duty of everyone to unite to safeguard the country. Toppling the government will not help to meet these objectives.

Chief Executive of the Sri Lanka branch of the International Chamber of Commerce Gamini Pieris pointed out that the Dollar has now declined to 109 rupees due to the reduction of consumption of bread by 50 percent. If this is continued, they can further bring it down. He pointed out that thereafter, Sri Lanka can become the best country in Asia.