The joint opposition has started collecting signatures for the no-confidence motion against Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake.

However, as of yesterday, only a few MPs had reportedly placed their signatures.

The joint opposition was expected to hand over the no-confidence motion today, if an adequate number of signatures could be obtained. The motion is based on the allegation that the Finance 

Minister brought his ministry to disrepute by manipulating figures in the budget proposals to suggest that the government was spending 6 percent of its income for education.

However, addressing a meeting yesterday, Karunanayake said that he was prepared to face any challenge in Parliament.

Those who cannot understand the budget are opposing him, he claimed.