The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) today expressed its disapproval over the 21st Amendment Draft Bill and the 22nd Amendment Draft Bill forwarded by former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.

Parliamentarian Vijitha Herath speaking at a press conference today said that the 21st Amendment was a measure to cut down minority representation in parliament.

"We need minority representation and views in Parliament. The bill has been forwarded to instigate racism. This is clearly a barbaric move.," Herath pointed out. Herath further noted that the 22nd amendment to the constitution would politicize the process of appointing Judges of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and members of the judicial services commission. "Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe seeks to remove the powers of the Constitutional Council and transfer it to President Gotabaya Rajapsa." Herath said currently the President appointed judges on the recommendations of the Constitutional Council and the Chief Justice. However, with the latest amendment, he said the only requirement for the President when making these appointments should be to do so in consultation with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in case of judges. He added that there was no logical explanation what so ever to bring in this amendment.