Sri Lanka, March 21 -- In a significant parliamentary development, the no-confidence motion against Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has been defeated by a majority of 42 votes.

The parliamentary debate on the no-confidence motion, tabled by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), commenced on Tuesday, March 19. The motion was officially handed over to the Deputy General Secretary of Parliament on March 5 and was signed by 44 parliamentarians, including Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella, and other MPs from various parties.

The motion alleged that the Speaker had ignored the Supreme Court's recommendations pertaining to certain sections of the Online Safety Bill. It also accused the Speaker of allowing...