Nalinda Jayatissa says the government has neither the intention nor the need to bring opposition Members of Parliament into the administration.
Speaking during the cabinet media briefing held on Tuesday (26), the Minister stated that the government instead hopes to introduce draft legislation aimed at abolishing the parliamentary seats of MPs who switch political parties after being elected by public mandate.
According to Dr. Jayatissa:
“We have no desire or attempt to bring anyone from the opposition into the government. There may be wishes, but we have no hope of bringing anyone from the opposition into the government.”
He further stated that the government plans to present draft bills to Parliament targeting:
- MPs who change political parties after elections
- Defections that go against the electoral mandate given by voters
The proposed legislation appears aimed at strengthening party discipline and preventing crossovers in Parliament after elections.
The remarks come amid continued political debate in Sri Lanka regarding:
- Parliamentary defections
- Coalition politics
- Electoral reforms
- Public accountability of elected representatives
