The proposed no-confidence motion against Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake still hangs in the balance, with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the de facto leader of the Joint Opposition, yet to give green light for the move, informed political sources said.

The Joint Opposition earlier this week announced that they would move a no-confidence motion against Karuananayake over the latter’s alleged ‘Penthouse’, funded by Perpetual Treasuries boss Arjuna Aloysius.

At the time the Penthouse was leased, Karunanayake was the Finance Minister and Aloysius was already at the centre of the Treasury Bonds controversy.

However, when the matter was discussed at a meeting chaired by Rajapaksa, the former President had said no-confidence motion should be brought against the entire government, not only against Karunanayake.

As a result, the meeting had ended without a final decision on the no-confidence motion against the Foreign Minister.

Speaking to Asian Mirror, a senior member of the Joint Opposition said a final decision on Karunanayake’s no-confidence would be made this week, with the consent of the former President.

“Our stance is that he has to step down from his government. He should tender his resignation, with or without the no-confidence motion,” he said.