by Saman Indrajith

SJB Kurunegala District MP Nalin Bandara Jayamaha showing the US national flag in the chamber yesterday said that the sole purpose of bringing about the 20th Amendment to the constitution was to enable persons holding US-Lankan dual citizens to become members of parliament.

 Participating in the second reading debate, the MP said: There will be a day soon when American citizens are coming here as MPs. The 20th amendment is to pave the way for that purpose.”

The MP read out the oath that should be taken by a foreigner when becoming a US citizen and said that as per that oath, the person who takes that should give his or her first priority to the American interests. “Where are those who wallow in patriotism today? They made use of patriotism to win elections but they pass laws against the country’s national interests. Soon there would be a day we would be among Americans MPs,” the MP said.

“The danger is that this bill will not only allow Americans but also Chinese too. Chinese too can become MPs here,” he said showing the US flag.

SLPP MP Wimalaweera Dissanayake:

MP Jayamaha had brought the loin cloth of his former leader Ranil Wickremesinghe. That should be removed from the House.

MP Jayamaha wearing a mask showing the face of a black American said: This House comprises Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim MPs. When we stand together it is difficult to identify who is Tamil, who is Sinhala who is Muslim. But this bill will help those with different racial features coming here.

SLPP MP AD Jagath Kumara:

The Opposition MP read out an oath before the US flag. That oath should be given before the US flag. He did the same inside this House. This House should not be permitted to give the oath of allegiance to the US.

Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena requested from the Chair not to let the opposition MP to act against dignity and decorum of the House. “The opposition MP has smuggled in items not permitted in this House. An investigation must be held how he managed to bring them in here. He must be stopped making use of this august assembly to display his undignified actions,” MP Abeygunawardena said.