Basil attempting to block 21st Amendment ?

Former Finance Minister and founder of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Basil Rajapaksa is said to be leading attempts to block the 21st Amendment from being passed by Parliament, Daily Mirror learns.

Government sources told Daily Mirror that Rajapaksa has secured the support of a number of SLPP members to oppose the 21st Amendment.

However, the Government is confident it will be able to convince a majority of the SLPP members to vote in support of the draft proposal when it is tabled in Parliament for a vote.

The 21st Amendment has already been presented to the Cabinet and will be tabled in Parliament after it is discussed with political party leaders.

Government sources told Daily Mirror that the draft is expected to be discussed with political party leaders tomorrow (Friday).

Sources said that the Government is also in talks with the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya ( SJB ) to seek their support for the draft proposal.

Newly appointed Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe was instrumental in drafting the 21st Amendment to the Constitution and is involved in talks with a number of political parties in Parliament and outside to obtain their views.

When contacted by Daily Mirror, Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said that the draft proposal is not the final document and is open for amendments.

A number of concerns have already been raised over the proposals in its current form.

However, Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said that the proposed 21st Amendment will go through changes after considering the proposals made by others. (Easwaran Rutnam)