SC to direct determination on 20A to Speaker and President

The five-judge bench of the Supreme Court led by the Chief Justice announced its determination on the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution will be directed to the President and the Speaker.

In addition, all parties were instructed to file submissions with the court before 03:00 PM on Tuesday (06).

In his submissions, Attorney General Dappula pointed out the proposed draft 20th Amendment to the Constitution does not contain any article which is a violation of the Constitution of Sri Lanka or is harmful to the sovereignty of its people.

Therefore, the Attorney General requested the five-judge bench to determine the 20th Draft Amendment to the Constitution may be enacted with a 2/3 majority & it does not attract the holding of a referendum.

De Livera further said the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution will do away with the existing National Police Commission, Audit Service Commission, Election Commission as well as the Constitutional Council, however, its powers will be executed via the legislation enforced by the Public Service Commission.

The Attorney General pointed out to the courts the proposed 20th Amendment will protect the people's right to vote by bringing a balance between the powers of the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary.

Attorney General De Livera further pointed out to the court several powers including presidential immunity which were abolished via the 19th Amendment to the Constitution have been vested with the President via the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution.

"Although the power of dissolving Parliament within a year of being elected is mentioned in the proposed first draft, the Government of Sri Lanka had decided to change the time frame to two and a half years, during the committee stage discussions," said the Attorney General.