The ruling party is now under pressure to proceed with the enactment of the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution , particularly after Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry briefed that the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and the creditor nations are watchful on measures to improve democratic governance.
Minister Sabry is reported to have briefed the parliamentary group of the government on Monday evening in this regard.
He said that the western powers wield more power over these multilateral agencies and they are keen to see Sri Lanka enacting this piece of legislation.
He stressed the need for the government to enact the 22nd Amendment as part of reforms to qualify for any financial arrangement with the IMF. He said creditor nations such as India are also keen in this regard.
Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe also emphasized the importance of incorporating this piece of legislation into the Constitution.
Gampaha district MP Nimal Lansa also spoke in favour of the bill.
The ruling party MPs who are loyal to its National Organizer Basil Rajapaksa have expressed reservations about the bill. The bill will be taken up for debate in Parliament this week. It seeks to empower Parliament on the appointment of members to Parliament. Also, the bill seeks to bar dual citizens from holding parliamentary seats.