3 SJB MPs who voted for 20A back in Opposition fold

• 3 MPs to work as independent MPs
• Say they are unsatisfied with Govt. handling of situation in country

Three MPs elected from the Samagi Jana Balawegayay MPs who crossed over to the Government to vote for the 20th Amendment to the Constitution in October 2020 announced yesterday they have decided to function as independent MPs in Parliament.

Digamadulla District MP Faisal Cassim announced in Parliament that he along with MPs M.S. Thowfeek (Trincomalee District) and Ishak Rahuman (Anuradhapura District) have decided to function as independent MPs.

“We have had several discussions with the Government on the current crisis. However, those in the Government did not listen to our suggestions. Therefore, we decided we cannot remain with the Government,” Cassim said.

Their decision brings the number of MPs who have decided to sit in opposition this week to 42. Others are from the SLPP, SLFP and the 11-party alliance.