Maithri's National Advisory Committee Hits 'Majority' Snag

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has informed his close associates that the setting up of the National Advisory Committee has been delayed due to "majority" issues in the Parliament. 

According to 100 day programme of President Maithripala Sirisena, the National Advisory Committee was scheduled to be appointed on January 12  - a day after the swearing in of the cabinet. 

However, the setting up of the committee has already been delayed by two days. 

When asked about this, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe had said the "majority issue" stood in the way of the appointment of the Advisory Committee which has the representation of all political parties. 

Although nearly 25 UPFA MPs have pledged support to President Maithripala Sirisena, the government is still uncertain whether it has the majority in the country's legislature. Meanwhile, some crossovers from the opposition to the government have been "blocked" due to heavy protest from certain MPs of the UNP. 

The government needs the support of at least 113 members to secure a simple majority in the House.

Wickremesinghe had told his group to wait for another day or two until the government resolves its majority issues in the Parliament.