By Leader of the Eksath Janaraja Peramuna’, MP Patali Champika Ranawaka seems to be side-lined within his party, the SJB .
He lashed out at Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, noting that he was wasting time in Parliament and also denying time for some Opposition MP’s to speak in parliament, reported the state run Daily News.
Ranawaka said he was given only four or five minutes per week to speak in Parliament and he had protested about this to Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella MP.
Ranawaka said Kiriella told him after a query that his speech during the debate on the President’s recent policy statement in Parliament had been taken off on the orders of the Opposition Leader as he had not walked out during the President’s speech.
The MP speaking at an event in Bandaragama said he was independent in parliament and had no affiliations to the main opposition.
Ranawaka stressed he was not a follower but a trend setter and he was not ready to follow when some leaders stage walk outs.
“As Ranasinghe Premadasa said we are also well seasoned people” he added.
He also charged that opposition was also behind him not being named as the chair of the Ways and Means committee again.
Meanwhile the Sunday Times reports: HI guys! How are you doing, exhorted United States Ambassador Julie Chung as she walked towards a group of MPs at the tea party hosted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe last Wednesday. It came at the end of a policy statement he delivered after the ceremonial opening of Parliament.
Turning to onetime minister, Patali Champika Ranawaka, she declared, “I see from the media that you are going to be a presidential candidate.” The newly formed United Republic Front (URF) leader, now preparing for a broad front to support his candidature, smiled. He appeared non-committal´
The talk of the town is that something hot is brewing with Patali Champika Ranawaka, who is also reportedly in talks with Chandrika Kurathunga.
