19A requires referendum: Nimal

24 Mar 2015 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Referring to the 19th Amendment, Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala de Silva said the government appeared to have introduced some constitutional provisions which warrant approval by people at a referendum.

Soon after the Prime Minister presented the Bill, Mr. de Silva said the government initially pledged to introduce constitutional amendments to be enacted in Parliament with a special majority, without resorting to a referendum.

He said it was now apparent that the government had deviated from this pledge and introduced certain provisions that warrant a referendum.

"The government should be prepared to face any such eventuality. Certain clauses of the bill overlap each other," Mr. de Silva said and urged the Prime Minister to introduce legislation to enact electoral reforms simultaneously with the constitutional reforms.

"We are for the enactment of both as part of the same exercise," he said.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said it was a matter for the Supreme Court to determine, as several applications had already been submitted to the SC on the Bill.

He said the Attorney General had been consulted on this matter.(KB & YP)

Breaking News

19A requires referendum: Nimal

Most Popular Articles

Alleged mastermind behind Rs. 210 Billion illegal Dollar transfer network arrested

Sri Lankan Rupee appreciates further against US Dollar

India ready for work once Sri Lanka green-lights project

Colombo Bank legal officer arrested for alleged theft

Country loses US $ 1 billion in fraudulent transactions, certain banks involved

Rupee depreciates further against US Dollar

Latest News

Over 18,000 Poson Dansals registered; PHIs step up inspections

Venezuela quake death toll nears 1,500 as rescue work goes on

Semi-Final Line-Up Confirmed in Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

Canada reach World Cup Last 16 after Eustaquio stoppage-time winner

Ireland seal historic T20 series win over India