Supreme Court Clears Path for Parliamentary Pensions Repeal Bill

COLOMBO (News 1st); Parliament was formally notified that the Supreme Court has granted the green light for the Parliamentary Pensions Repeal Bill, ruling that the proposed legislation does not conflict with any provision of the Constitution.

Announcing the decision during the morning session, Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne informed Members of Parliament that the apex court had issued its determination following a constitutional challenge lodged under Article 121(1).

“I wish to inform Parliament that I have received the determination of the Supreme Court in respect of the bill titled ‘Parliamentary Pensions Repeal,’ which was challenged in the Supreme Court in terms of Article 121(1) of the Constitution,” the Speaker said, reading from the official communication.

According to the Speaker, the Supreme Court found no inconsistencies between the bill’s provisions and the Constitution. As a result, the proposed law can be passed by Parliament with a simple majority, without requiring a special majority or referendum.

Dr. Wickramaratne also directed that the complete Supreme Court determination be printed in the official report of today’s proceedings.