Ranatunga reveals reason for not supporting Sudarshini

In a recent statement, MP Prasanna Ranatunga has revealed the reason he did not support MP Sudarshini Fernandopulle during the vote held in parliament to choose a deputy speaker. According to him the decision to not support her was based on the fact that her faction had helped the United National Party (UNP) to gain power of the Seeduwa Municipal Council.  

He also says the group of 16 that left the government must choose if it will join former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the SLPP or remain with President Maithripala Sirisena and the SLFP. 

However, it is a popular fact that Fernandopulle had come forward to contest in the vote to be appointed as deputy speaker with the acknowledgement of Rajapaksa as confirmed by Wimal Weerawansa, Gammanpila and Vasudeva. 

Sources say Weerawansa, Gammanpila and Vasudeva had even stayed away from a joint opposition meeting in protest of Ranatunga not supporting Fernandopulle.

While a constant tussle between the two groups since the no confidence motion has been on going sources say the real cause for the issue is a rift of the JO due to the power struggle between Basil and Gotabaya Rajapaksa.