By Norman Palihawadane

Public Order, Disaster Management and Christian Affairs Minister John Amaratunga yesterday said that he was ready to face the no-confidence motion against him proposed by the opposition.

Commenting on the recent statement made by Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala de Silva that a no confidence motion would be moved against him, the minister said: “I am not afraid of these challenges which are usual in politics. They can move the motion but that does not mean it will be passed and I will be removed. Truth will prevail and it is good that they try to test me for I know I did nothing wrong.”

Amaratunga said the corrupt politicians of the opposition had swindled public funds during the last regime. “They are under immense pressure as they are facing the threat of being arrested and hauled up before courts. Those who abused the power without giving two hoots for retribution are now frightened.

Under such pressure, they were trying to accuse us of wrong doings thinking that they could get away with their sins,” he said, adding, “investigations against them will not stop even if they manage to remove me from this position.”

The Minister said it was very unjust to blame him for a recent incident where two persons assaulted the Chairman of Wattala Pradeshiya Sabha in public. “The attack took place hours after I had left the place.”

Opposition Leader De Silva told Parliament on Feb. 2 that a no confidence motion would be brought against Minister Amaratunga as the latter had failed to maintain law and order in the country. SLFP members had been assaulted at Wattala Pradeshiya Sabha and a senior government politician was behind that attack, he said.

There were allegations against Minister Amaratunga in that regard and the law of the jungle was prevailing instead of the rule of law and yahapalanaya (good governance) promised to the people, he said adding, that the UPFA members were planning to discuss the matter at length and would move the no confidence motion on Feb. 10.

Courtesy:The Island