No confidence against Keheliya defeated 113 – 73 with 38 MPs absent

The no-confidence motion vote against Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella was defeated by 113 votes to 73 in Parliament on Friday with 38 MPs absent at voting time.

It was defeated by 40 votes after a three-day debate moved by the main opposition SJB.The SJB, JVP –led NPP, TNA and SLPP dissidents in the Opposition voted for the motion while government and its allies voted against.

SJB MP Dr Kavinda Jayawardane moved the motion claiming that Minister Rambukwella should be held responsible for the crisis situation in the health sector.

The motion was handed over to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena by SJB Geneeral Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara and MP Kavinda Jayawardena on July 21 with the signatures of 45 MPs.

It alleged irresponsible importation of substandard medicines and surgical equipment which weakened the health sector and caused the deaths of several patients receiving treatment at state hospitals.

The opposition alleged that the government continued to bring in low-quality medicines and surgical equipment without complying with the due procurement and registration process, claiming the need for emergency imports.