PM CONFIDENT OF 2/3RD MAJORITY FOR 20A

Necessary amendments during the committee stage

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday diverse opinions within the government over the 20th Amendment would converge into one voice with necessary amendments being introduced during the committee stage and there was no problem with regard to obtaining the necessary two-thirds majority for the passage of the Bill.

Addressing newspaper editors and electronic media heads at Temple Trees yesterday, the Prime Minister said various individuals and parties within the government could hold different views about the 20th Amendment and necessary changes would be brought about at the committee stage of the debate. He said the committee appointed by him had also given him a report.

The Prime Minister was confident on mustering the necessary two -thirds majority. When asked whether he was agreeable to reducing the powers of the Prime Minister, he smiled and responded that it depends on the person who holds the post. When asked whether there were any discussions taking place regarding the controversial MCC agreement with the US, the Prime Minister said there were no such talks taking place at the moment and whatever that would happen will be done in full public glare.

When asked about the 13th Amendment to the Constitution that had come up during the virtual summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the weekend, the Prime Minister said whatever that is in the constitution has been implemented and justice and fairness to all communities will be ensured when a new constitution is enacted.