20A could lead country to dictatorship - SJB

• 20A spells nothing but disaster

By Yohan Perera   

The main Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday said the 20th Amendment which has been gazette will transfer the powers of legislature to the Executive and this will lead the country to a dictatorship.   

Meanwhile, SJB MP Mujibur Rahman said the 20th Amendment will transfer the powers of Parliament to the Executive. “The power to appoint Chief Justice, President of Appeal Court and other Judges were vested with the Constitutional Council under the 19th Amendment, but that power would be transferred to the President through the new legislation.   

It is also designed to allow certain individuals to enter into Parliament. Repealing the clause which prevented those holding dual citizenship into Parliament is clearly aimed at archiving this objective. Previous government also suffered dire consequences of appointing someone who was holding a dual citizenship as the Governor of Central Bank ,” he said.   
“Sri Lanka may go in for a dictatorship with this piece of legislation,” he added.   

Former Prime Minister and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said the 20th Amendment to the Constitution spells nothing but disaster.   

Mr. Wickremesinghe who was meeting some former MPs in Sirikotha yesterday said those who bring in further amendments to the 20th Amendment will also face disaster. “Repealing the 19th Amendment is the beginning of a disaster.