We welcome statement by Maha Sangha: SJB

The entire world is trying to control the pandemic but the Sri Lankan government is focussing on getting the 20th Amendment approved

Main Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday urged the government to put off its efforts to get the 20th Amendment enacted and instead to give priority to controlling the COVID-19 pandemic.

Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa said in a statement that he welcomed the joint statement made by the monks of the Ramanna and Amarapura Chapters requesting the government to introduce a new constitution instead of making an effort get the 20th Amendment approved.

“The joint statement by Amarapura and Ramanna chapters confirms the instances of the Maha Sangha coming into the forefront whenever the country is in the midst of a crisis,” he said adding that this statement would contribute immensely to the efforts made by the Opposition to defeat the 20th Amendment.

Meanwhile, SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said the government should listen to the Maha Sangha and give priority to the control of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The entire world is trying to control the pandemic but the Sri Lankan government is focussing on getting the 20th Amendment approved,” he said.

When asked about reports of some SJB MPS backing the 20A Mr. Madduma Bandara said no one in his party will support it.