Govt. confident of 2/3 majority despite NPP split speculation
By Shamindra Ferdinando The ruling NPP yesterday (21) dismissed claims of a widening rift, within the government, over the proposed 22nd Amendment. Asked whether the NPP was concerned over a section of the Opposition alleging Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and two dozen MPs taking a view contrary to that of the party in this […]
The ruling NPP remains confident of securing a 2/3 majority despite speculations of internal divisions over the proposed 22nd Amendment. Party sources deny claims that a segment of the opposition is alleging a difference in opinion among Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and 24 of her MPs. They assert there is no rift within the NPP regarding the amendment, stating it will pass with the required majority once introduced into Parliament.
Opposition activist claims exist of 57 JVPers and 66 NPPers in the government group, while the rest contested recent elections, joining the JVP. However, ministerial sources assure The Island that the government remains steadfast in pursuing the 22nd Amendment and associated Judicature Bills. They are unconcerned about protests from the Opposition inside and outside Parliament.
The Supreme Court is expected to reveal its confidential ruling on over 65 petitions for and against the 22nd Amendment and Judicial Amendment Bills. Enacting the amendment would enable the extension of Supreme Court judges' retirement age from 65 to 67 years and Court of Appeal judges from 63 to 65 years.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
