• SLPP asserts that it is opposed to bill 
• SLFP says we got a mandate only to bring about a new Constitution, but not amendments to the current one

By Kelum Bandara 

The Business Committee of Parliament has decided to debate the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution on October 20 and 21, but its enactment into law remains uncertain since the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) is opposed to the bill, Daily Mirror learns. 

The party leaders, at the Business Committee meeting, decided yesterday to reschedule the debate for October 20 and 21.

However, SLFP General Secretary MP Sagara Kariyawasam said he, along with others of his party, had reservations about the contents of the bill.

“We got a mandate only to bring about a new Constitution, but not amendments to the current one in a piecemeal approach. I cannot vote for this bill. If we vote for this, we will become a laughingstock. The MPs who voted for the 18th Amendment to enhance presidential powers raised their hands later for the 19th Amendment pruning them. Again the very same lot voted for the 20th Amendment. Once again, they are asked to support the latest bill. How can we do it without any qualm?” he asked.

Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said in Parliament on Thursday that the international community was watchful of steps taken by the government to improve democracy in the country. He said even the International Monetary Fund (IMF) inquired from him about progress in this regard and therefore asked the MPs to act with responsibility.