Anti-Corruption Amendment Bill Up For Debate Today

COLOMBO (News 1st): The parliamentary debate on the second reading of the Anti-Corruption Amendment Bill is scheduled to take place today.

The vote on the Bill is scheduled for 5.00 p.m.

The Supreme Court recently determined that several provisions of the Anti-Corruption Amendment Bill are inconsistent with the Constitution.

Accordingly, the Court ruled that a special majority is required to pass Clause 6 (7), as it is inconsistent with the Constitution.

The clause requires owners, chairpersons and directors of licensed companies under the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission and media companies registered with the Ministry of Mass Media to submit declarations of assets and liabilities.

The Supreme Court determined that a two-thirds majority in Parliament is required for the provision to be passed.

Meanwhile, the Court has also ruled that a two-thirds majority would be required if the provision requiring the publication of assets and liabilities declarations of a person who has lived in the same household for more than six months with an individual required to submit such a declaration is removed.

The Supreme Court further determined that a referendum would be required to pass a provision that prevents a Magistrate from granting bail for offences established under the Anti-Corruption Bill, while imposing strict restrictions on the granting of bail by the High Court.