United National Party (UNP) Deputy Leader, Ruwan Wijewardena, and UNP Organizer for the Kalawewa electorate, Sanjeewa Seneviratne, raised their concerns regarding the 20^th Amendment today (22), addressing the media at Sirikotha. Speaking to the media, Wijewardena stated that the 20th Amendment, which was a threat to the country’s Democracy, was being introduced to help solidify the position of the Rajapaksa family. Accusing the government of conspiring with the Speaker to ensure the smooth passage of the amendment, Wijewardena urged all Members of Parliament to forgo their privileges and stand on the side of Democracy. He went on to state that the government was attempting to white-wash the 20th Amendment, by equating its adoption to ensuring development in the country. Instead, the Deputy Leader said that after the 20th Amendment is adopted the Parliament would cease to be an effective institution as the Parliamentarians had chosen to empower a dictator. Wijewardena also raised the issue of allowing dual citizens to enter Parliament, explaining that in the event a dual citizen is elected to Parliament the public would find their representative’s loyalty torn between their country of birth and their adopted country. This would place the national security of the country in grave danger. He urged the government to put aside their desire for power, and ensure the safety of the public in the face of the growing threat from COVID-19. Questioning why the government had chosen to proceed with the debate on the amendment while the rest of the country was slowly being locked down, Wijewardena accused the Minister of Health of hiding the true facts of the situation. Sanjeewa Seneviratne, speaking about the recent petitions filed by the UNP against the 20th Amendment, highlighted the fact that only the UNP was able to successfully retain the independence of the Election Commission. Drawing attention to clause 22 of the 20th Amendment, Seneviratne explained that had it been introduced it would see the powers of the Election Commission reduced to observer status. However, they stated that it was the UNP’s success at the courts which saw the Supreme Court uphold their argument and rule that this clause would require a 2/3rd majority in Parliament and subsequently a referendum.