Jathika Hela Urumaya Leader Patali Champika Ranawaka said Minister Rishad Bathiudeen should resign from his ministerial portfolio with immediate effect.

Addressing the media in Colombo today, Ranawaka said the allegations that have been levelled against Bathiudeen were serious.

"They should be investigated by security forces. Therefore, Bathiudeen must resign from his ministerial portfolio to facilitate a fair and independent inquiry," Ranawaka added.

The Minister added that Parliament was not in a position to probe allegations of such serious nature.

However, the JHU Leader added that the No-Confidence Motion against the government, presented by the JVP, should precede the No-Confidence Motion against Bathiudeen.

The No-Confidence Motion against Bathiudeen has been handed over to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya with the signatures of 66 lawmakers.