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Lankan firms in plot to
topple Chandrika govt

Sri Lanka's intelligence agencies have uncovered a plot by five leading business houses to topple the Chandrika Kumaratunga government by creating a mutiny within the ranks of the ruling People's Alliance coalition, news reports said on Monday.

The business firms have been accused of bribing ministers and ruling alliance's legislators to topple the government during a parliamentary vote.

Three days ago, President Kumaratunga had warned of an opposition move to defeat her government during a crucial budget vote on April 11, state-run Daily News said.

The ruling coalition, which depends on the support of two minority parties, needs a simple majority to pass the Finance Bill 2001 but failure would automatically lead to the collapse of the government.

Chandrika is scheduled to hold crucial talks with her key allies on Tuesday to secure their support for the government.

The People's Alliance has a slender four-seat majority in the 225-member assembly.

PTI

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