Sri Lanka’s parliament has approved 20th constitutional amendment that will concentrate power with the president and allow duel citizens to hold political office.
- The 20th Amendment rolls back Sri Lanka’s 19th Amendment which was passed in 2015.
- The 20th Amendment to the constitution was passed on October 22, 2020 with a 91-vote majority as 156 legislators in the 225-member parliament voted in favour.
- With this amendment the President will be able to hold ministries as well as appoint and fire ministers.
- He will also be the appointing authority of the elections, public service, police, human rights, and bribery or corruption investigation commissions.
- The new legislation reduces the Prime Minister’s role to a ceremonial one.
