Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam says he abstained from voting on the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution in Parliament to protest the primitive and tribalistic political culture of this country.

Speaking to the media today (26), he said that through this Bill, Sri Lanka is travelling backward despite the world moving forward toward greater development.
“In many developed countries like the USA and Canada, there is no restriction on a dual citizenship holder to become a state official or enter the Parliament.

Commenting on former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, who is a holder of dual citizenship, Kariyawasam said that the former had stepped down as an MP prior to the matter being raised in Parliament.
“Therefore, he does not face any issues due to the passing of the 22nd Amendment,” the SLPP General Secretary explained. Stating that the move did not harm the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party, he said, instead, it has harmed the progress of the nation.

Sagara Kariyawasam further said that there was no division among the SLPP and that members are free to decide their allegiance. He added that, however, he believes no party members are intending to join the United National Party (UNP).