UNP State Minister Niroshan Perera said he would support the no-confidence motion against ACMC Leader Rishad Bathiudeen, a member of the current UNP-led government.

Speaking to an English daily, Perera said he was against the conduct of Bathiudeen who maintained close ties with Islamist extremists in Sri Lanka.

The State Minister also referred to the Army Commander's statement saying the Bathiudeen spoke to the Army Chief thrice about a suspect who was arrested in Dehiwala.

Perera said he would support the no-confidence motion against Bathiudeen, irrespective of the party's decision.

However, the UNP has not expressed any official position on the no-confidence motion against the ACMC Leader.

The opposition handed over the no-confidence motion against Bathiudeen to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya last week, with 66 signatures.