JVP to discuss with political parties

JVP MP Vijitha Herath said yesterday that they were happy to table the 20th Amendment in parliament and that they would start official discussions with political parties to garner two-third majority in parliament for the draft bill.

“We need two-third majority to pass this bill in parliament. We need the support of the Mahinda Rajapaksa faction, President, UNP, TNA and the EPDP. We have confidence that we can garner their support,” he said.

He told a news conference that the JVP expected to obtain opinions and views from MPS and political parties and added that the draft bill would be amended after considering the suggestions.

“We introduced this bill not to inflict advantages or disadvantages to a certain political party or a person. The main objective of this amendment is to uphold

We introduced this bill not to inflict advantages or disadvantages to a certain political party or a person

democracy in the country. The leaders have caused heavy damage to the country and people using executive presidency,” he said.

He said the government could present their stance on the bill in parliament within two weeks or a month and added that the matter of deciding on the time depend on the government.

“After the Bill was tabled in parliament, the next step is to send the bill to the subject minister by the speaker. However, we have no minister for constitutional affairs in the government. In this case, it should be sent to the Prime Minister as the head of the government and the government should inform its stance in parliament within six months. If required, the government can present its opinion within two weeks or a month,” he said.