Debate on 22A postponed for next week

Party leaders yesterday decided to postpone the debate on the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene announced.

It will be taken up for debate during the next parliamentary week.

The Speaker decided to call for a party leaders meeting after both the ruling party and the Opposition blamed each other for blocking it.Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardene said he had had discussions with the Opposition on the legislation on Wednesday and the Opposition parties responded positively and pledged to support it.

 “Opposition including leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa had responded positively with regard to 22nd Amendment during the morning. However, their stance has changed by Wednesday evening, this is regrettable,” the Prime Minister said.

“The 22nd Amendment was subjected to broad discussion even by the former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Later it was subjected to discussion after the incumbent President became the Prime Minister,” the Prime Minister recalled.

Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said international organisations and countries are keen to see political reforms in Sri Lanka. “Even IMF has inquired from us as to when the 22nd Amendment would be implemented. International support is much dependent on political reforms. 

“The European Parliament has already approved a resolution to deprive Sri Lanka of GSP plus status. However, it has not been implemented. Many industries will fall if this is implemented. In addition, the UNHCR resolution is also a serious one. All MPs, even those in Opposition are duty bound to stabilise the nation,” he stressed.

Premadasa, who responded, said the Opposition will support the legislation if it takes away the considerable amount of power enjoyed by the President. “22th Amendment cannot become another 20th Amendment,” he said.