JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva stated that his party opposes the 20th Amendment since it allows for bipartisan politics instead on multi-party politics.

 

Speaking at a press conference in Colombo this morning, Silva said that the 20th Amendment was not the electoral reform that was promised. It has been introduced to sideline smaller political parties, he said.

 

He further pointed out that the current system allows smaller parties to elect their members to parliament. It gives the chance for the minority communities to elect their representatives in areas where they have a sizeable population. However, the new system will curtail this opportunity, he added.

 

Silva said that the electoral system should incormerate all communities rather than exclude certain sections of the society.

 

Meanwhile, he added that the notion that each electorate should have an MP was an archaic one. It was applicable when there were no Pradeshiya Sabhas or Provincial Councils, he said. In the past, when theyre were no provincial councils, the MPs had to get involved in local projects. Today, the MPs can focus more on national matters, Silva pointed out.