SLFP says no to 19 A, if electoral reforms are not included

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) will comply with the new Government to pass the draft bill on the 19th Amendment, if constitutional changes take place for new electoral reforms, the opposition said on Wednesday (8).

Former Minister and SLFP General Secretary Anura Priyadarshana Yapa made the observation at a press conference held in Colombo.

Yapa pointed out the Government attempts to pass the 19th Amendment without the new election system.”The Gov’t won’t get our backing to pass the bill. The Election Commissioner has also concluded his report with respect to the new election reforms,” he added.

He pointed out that despite 26 SLFP members took oath, the opposition is still strong and the Government will not be able to gain two third majority in the Parliament.

However, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Rajitha Senaratne at a recent press conference asserted that the next General Election will be held only after constitutional changes take place.

According to the government 100-day pledge, it was scheduled to prepare election laws by 2 March, and pass the new system by 17 March.