The United National Party (UNP) says it is gravely concerned by the government’s decision to continue with the presentation of the 20th Amendment to Parliament, and the subsequent debate, despite the Supreme Court’s determination that several clauses of this amendment require a referendum by the people.

“The clauses included in this amendment have not been presented by these parties to the Parliamentary Select Committee prior to this, and therefore these are unnecessary and pose a danger to the people of the country,” the party said in a statement on Wednesday.

The two-day debate on the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution commenced in the Parliament this morning (21).

“We as a party have continually expressed concern that such an amendment would endanger our heritage enshrined in the Constitution which is the sovereign right of the people of Sri Lanka,” the UNP said.

The independence of the judiciary, an independent Election Commission which protects the public’s franchise and the necessity to have a competent and independent Auditor-General are all part of the country’s Constitution, it said.

The UNP said it opposes the decision by the government to permit dual citizens to enter Parliament. “The question that arises in such a situation is where would the loyalty of those citizens lie, with their country of birth or their adopted country?”

It charged that the passing of this amendment will allow for a precedent to be set which will “threaten the inherent rights” of the country, including ensuring Buddhism the foremost place in the country while affording equal rights and protection to other religions.

The UNP called on all Members of Parliament, including those from the government benches, to vote against or refrain from voting in favour of this bill which “threatens the democratic foundation that Sri Lanka has been built upon.”