20A becomes law

• The Speaker placed his signature to the final version of the bill passed in Parliament by a two-thirds majority yesterday

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene yesterday certified the 20th Amendment to the Constitution into law.  

Parliament sources said he placed his signature to the final version of the bill passed in Parliament by a two-thirds majority yesterday morning.  

The 20th Amendment provides for setting up a parliamentary council instead of the Constitutional Council which was set up by the 19th Amendment. It comprises Speaker, Prime Minister, Leader of the opposition and one member each who will be nominated by the Speaker and Leader of Opposition. The President could dissolve Parliament only when it completes two and a half years of its term. It also provides provisions to bring in emergency Bills only with regard to security matters and disasters.