Sri Lanka's PM says 16 opposition members support amendment

ITN News
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Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne has revealed that about 16 United National Party members are due to vote in favour of the 18th Constitutional Amendment. The Prime Minister was speaking during the debate on the Amendment Bill.

UNP members Earl Gunasekera, Lakshman Seneviratne, Manusha Nanayakkara, Nimal Wijesinghe, Sri Ranga and Upeksha Swarnamali have already officially announced their decision to support the Bill. Also UNP Kandy District Parliamentarian Abdul Carder is due to crossover to the Government today.

Giving further information on Parliamentary proceedings, our representative Anura Dorakumbura said the Prime Minister revealed that 16 UNP Parliamentarians would be voting for the Bill. He made this revelation opening the debate on the Constitutional Amendment Bill. Accordingly the Prime Minister opined that the Bill would be passed receiving more than 160 votes in its favour. Development of the country should be stepped up following the end of the 30 year old war. Sri Lanka should be made a developed nation in the world. The Prime Minister said the time has come to achieve this goal. There should be a proper management of the country. In this respect the Prime Minister noted that the 18th Amendment is vital.

The Amendment will also give an opportunity for the President to come to Parliament once in three months. This would enable the President to directly respond to queries raised by the opposition. He claimed that many such important changes have been included in the Bill. Many UNP members are willing to support the Bill. The Prime Minister also revealed that more such members met the President last night and expressed their willingness to support the Amendments. The debate is continuing.

© ITN News