CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA 
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Video: ‘Parliament not bound by SC interpretations’
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Cabinet Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella today said that Parliament was not bound by Supreme Court interpretations and that the government might not agree with the Supreme Court ruling regarding the constitutionality of the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC). Addressing the cabinet media briefing Minister Rambukwella said under the ruling given by Anura Bandaranaike, the Parliament ruled supreme and therefore was not bound by the rulings of the Supreme Court.
Mr. Rambukwella explained that both the current speaker and the previous speaker had been clear on that fact. “The fact that the Supreme Court was the sole authority which could interpret the constitution was now debated,” he said.
Responding to a query whether the non acceptance of such interpretations would amount to a violation of the Constitution which specifically states that the Supreme Court was the sole authority to interpret the Constitution, Minister Ramukbukwella said the Constitution at no point bound parliament to such interpretations.
“Is there any place in the Constitution or the standing order which states that Parliament is bound by accepting such interpretations?,” he asked.
Minister Rambukwella said interpretations were mere interpretations and were traditionally accepted by parliament except by Speaker Anura Bandaranaike who rejected an interpretation as the parliament was not bound by such interpretations.
However, he said that parliament would not act in an unconstitutional manner. “The opposition has not said that we have violated the Constitution,” he said. (Hafeel Farisz)
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