Opposition leader Nimal Siripala de Silva lashed out at both the UNP and the JVP over their policy regarding the 20th Amendment, claiming that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the JVP were opposed to the Bill.

 

Speaking at a press conference today, de Silva said that the SLFP was opposed to the adjournment debate on the 20th Amendment since it is also a ploy to delay the process of passing the amendment bill. He pointed out that the Gazette can only be added to the Order Book in Parliament on June 26. Thereafter, there is a seven day period where petitions can be filed against it at the Supreme Court, he pointed out.

 

De Silva also severely criticized SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem for opposing the bill after it received Cabinet approval. Hakeem cannot oppose it while he is in the Cabinet, de Silva stated.

 

The Opposition Leader also recalled a recent comment by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to some representatives of the minor parties. He had reportedly said that if minor parties were being sidelined through the 20th Amendment, he will oppose it. Meanwhile, the JVP continues to say that it opposes the 20th Amendment. Therefore, both UNP leadership and the JVP are against the bill, de Silva argued.