The 20th Amendment to the Constitution, which caused a great deal of controversy in Sri Lankan politics, was passed by a 2/3 majority last night (22), shattering all democratic camps. Even people who had publicly protested against the 20 were seen voting in favor of the 20 in Parliament.
Diana Gamage, a Member of Parliament for the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) also voted in favor of the government. She went to Diyawanna from the Samagi Janabalawega Party, Colombo District on a list of National Members of Parliament. Therefore, the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) strongly disapproves of her backsliding on her party. Many also allege that she took advantage of the government and supported the 20.
MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara has stated that the party will take disciplinary action against her.
But MP Diana Gamage says she voted in favor of 20 without any profit motive. Speaking to the media as she left Parliament last night, she said that she had not received any money from the government and that she should prove it if possible.
Journalists inquired from the national list whether the action taken was appropriate. She stated that she was the Deputy Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya and that when the General Secretary of the party was in Moneragala, she had joined all the election activities for the party with the Elections Office and in such a background she did not have time to contest the election.
However, Diana Gamage, the Deputy Secretary of the Samagi Janabalavega, has now turned her back on her party and its members. It comes to mind that actress Upeksha Swarnamali alias Paba, who was nominated by the UNP for the Gampaha District, came to Parliament with the votes of the UNP and eventually supported the government.
Paba eventually forgot that he came to parliament with UNP votes. Isn’t that what has happened to Diana Gamage now?