GoSL to introduce amendments to 20A at committee stage discussions; AG tells SC

Colombo (News 1st); The Attorney General's Department informed the Supreme Court the Government of Sri Lanka plans to introduce several amendments to the proposed draft 20th Amendment to the Constitution, at committee stage discussions in Parliament.

The Attorney General had submitted documents containing the proposed committee stage amendments to the 20th Amendment to the Constitution in open court.

The consideration of petitions filed challenging the 20th Amendment to the Constitution was adjourned for a short period this morning (29) for counsel appearing for the petitioners to examine the documents submitted by the Attorney General's Department.

Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya who leads the five-judge bench considering the 39 petitions filed challenging the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution informed the parties to the petitions, the Supreme Court expects to conclude the hearing by Friday (02nd October).

The bench also comprises Supreme Court Justices Buwaneka Aluvihare, Sisira De Abrew, Priyantha Jayawardena, and Vijith Malalgoda.

The MTV/MBC Media Network is among the parties who filed petitions with the Supreme and it was filed to secure the rights for Media Freedom and Freedom of Speech.

Also on Tuesday morning, Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking at a meeting with the heads of media institutions had noted the powers of the Prime Minister will not be limited via the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution adding the Government stand-by a single stance on the 20th Amendment.

Minister Wimal Weerawansa speaking at the event noted the recommendations agreed to by the Prime Minister, in the report of the committee appointed to study the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution, will be subject to amendments at the committee stage discussions.