SEVERAL SJB MPS WILL CROSSOVER TO GOVT.: MAHINDANANDA

A number of Samagi Jana Balawegaya ( SJB) MPS will crossover to the government once the 20th Amendment to the Constitution is taken up for debate, a Senior Minister told Parliament yesterday.

Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage who was speaking during the debate on the regulations imposed under Excise Special Provisions Act in the House said one will be able to see as to how many MPS from SJB will cross over to the government when the 20A is taken up for debate.

He said it was late President J. R. Jayewardene who introduced an all powerful presidency in 1978.“Late President

R. Premadasa the father of present Opposition Leader

Sajith Premadasa also enjoyed the

Executive presidency,“he said. “The 19th Amendment was brought in 2015 to make the then Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe more powerful. Mr. Wickremesinghe knew he cannot become the Executive President of the country.therefore he needed a position with power. This is why the 19th Amendment was introduced. It is true that I too voted in favour of the 19th Amendment. We did so because the Yahapalana government pledged to bring in a 20th Amendment. However that promise was never kept,” he added. SJB MP Eran Wickramaratne who responded to the minister said it was sad to note the latter failing to mention about the new regulations which are being introduced by the government.“Sri Lanka’s budget deficit is slated to become the highest over the years.