Opposition urges Speaker to postpone 19A debate

5 April 2015 04:44 pm - 7 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The opposition representatives will urge Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa to postpone the debate on the 19th Amendment to the Constitution on the principle that the entire process being adopted for its enactment is constitutionally flawed, a parliamentarian said today.

The Bill has been listed for debate on April 8, 9 and 10. However, former External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said people should be given a week to petition the Supreme Court against such a regular Bill in terms of Article 121(1) of the Constitution.

Asserting that the Constitutional Bill presented in Parliament on March 24 is not the current version as numerous amendments have been proposed during hearing in the Supreme Court, he said the public should have the chance to see the latest one.

He noted the latest Bill, after being presented in Parliament, should remain on the Order Paper for one week for people to petition the Supreme Court if they wished.

Article 12(1), which deals with the ordinary exercise of constitutional jurisdiction in respect of Bills, says, “The jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to ordinarily determine any such question as aforesaid may be invoked by the President by a written reference addressed to the Chief Justice, or by any citizen by a petition in writing addressed to the Supreme Court. Such reference shall be made, or such petition shall be filed, within one week of the Bill being placed on the Order Paper of Parliament”.

Asked about the next action by the Opposition, Prof. Peiris said he, along with several other Opposition representatives would meet the Speaker and urge him not to entertain the Bill for debate this week. (KB)

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Comments - 7

Bala Monday, 06 April 2015 07:53 AM

Looks like tthe Presidents powers will not be reduced/abolished. No one should vote for those who oppose the idea of reducing powers and establishing independent commissions.

Man Monday, 06 April 2015 08:59 AM

It is strange that GL had forgotten this procedure when enacting the 18th Amendment at the instructions of the greatest ever King of Thieves, MR.

lkboy Monday, 06 April 2015 09:45 AM

was GL sleeping all this while? I think the bill was presented last month?

Yahapalan Monday, 06 April 2015 10:22 AM

Lets follow the due process even when trying to achieve yahapalanaya... no breaking rules please... like illeagal dismisal of CJ, appointing the PM, trying to keep both givt and opposition....

daily editor moda Monday, 06 April 2015 10:38 AM

All those thrives @ Parliament to oppose because they want to be presidents one day and make money.

cyril n Monday, 06 April 2015 11:06 AM

Opposition members trying delaying tactics for whatever reasons, may be to sabotage.

cyril n Monday, 06 April 2015 11:06 AM

Opposition members trying delaying tactics for whatever reasons, may be to sabotage.

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Opposition urges Speaker to postpone 19A debate

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