Sri Lankan opposition alleges vote 'rigging' in Parliament

Sri Lanka's joint opposition today demanded the resignation or removal of Secretary General of Parliament following a dispute over the outcome of a vote for approving a bill, saying the original result was "rigged".
Secretary General Dhammika Dassanayake said yesterday that 33 votes were cast in favour and 31 against the 55-million Rupee (USD 3.7 lakh) Supplementary Estimate bill but the joint opposition said the result was "rigged".
After scrutinising CCTV camera footage, it was decided that the result was incorrect. According to the investigation, 31 had voted for and 31 had voted against.
Joint Opposition Leader Dinesh Gunawardena and Wimal Weerawansa yesterday said there had to be a fresh vote.

"The estimate was not approved. The government must go back to the cabinet and return to seek approval," Gunawardena said.
"The Secretary General must resign or he must be removed. We have no confidence (on) him now as he deliberately rigged it," Weerawansa said.

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said he has appointed a four- member panel to probe the incident and appropriate action would be taken depending upon the findings.
The government, meanwhile, criticised the opposition for their disregard of the chair.
"According to standing orders, nothing can be done after the Speaker's ruling," Lakshman Kiriella, the leader of the house said.