No faith motion against Dhammika Kitulgoda

 
Several political parties in the opposition are preparing to move a no-confidence motion against Acting Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Kitulgoda, claiming that the president had appointed him in breach of the law.

Commenting on the appointment, UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake alleged the posting had been done in complete violation of the constitution of the country.

Only authorized officers have access to the Chamber, and if any outsider tries to gain entry, parliamentarians have the right to eject him, Mr. Attanayake said.

According to the UNP General Secretary, the party's written objections to Mr. Kitulgoda's appointment have been sent to the Speaker.

In addition, all parties in the opposition will bring a no-faith motion when Parliament begins sittings on April 08th.

When contacted for a comment on this proposed move, SLMC Secretary Hassen Ali said that his party would extend fullest support for same.

We also attempted to obtain a response from JVP Propaganda Secretary and MP Wimal Weerawansa by calling his mobile phone, but he had been in the midst of meetings on both occasions.

TNA's Suresh Premachandran said it was an unlawful act by the President to appoint a Secretary General to Parliament, with the absence of the Constitutional Council.

The TNA will support a common move by parties in the opposition, Mr. Premachandran added.
Our attempts to contact Minister of Constitutional Affairs Dew Gunasekara were futile.

Then we spoke to Mr. Kitulgoda himself, who said that he would not have accepted the position, had it been made in breach of the law.