Will Basil return to Parliament? 

Speculation is rife in political circles that Basil Rajapaksa will return to Parliament as an SLPP National List MP. 

Well informed sources told The Island that the SLPP founder was expected to return from the US this week. If consensus could be reached on the former SLFP National Organiser’s return to Parliament, one appointed MP would resign, sources said. At the last general election, the SLPP secured 17 NL slots out of 29. 

The 20th Amendment to the Constitution enacted in October last year cleared the way for those holding foreign nationality to enter parliament. Sources said the recent crisis caused by fuel price hike appeared to have influenced the former minister’s return to Parliament. 

Basil Rajapaksa last served as an MP during 2010-2015 period. Parliament is scheduled to meet today and tomorrow. Basil Rajapaksa expected back on Thursday. Several SLPP lawmakers, including its General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam recently declared Basil Rajapaksa would have thwarted the current crisis over fuel price hike if he were in the country. (SF)