Govt. to incorporate all amendments proposed by SC to Port City Bill

The government at a special Cabinet meeting today decided to incorporate all the amendments proposed by the Supreme Court into the Port City Economic Commission Bill, so that it could be passed only with a simple majority, the Daily Mirror learns.

The Supreme Court determined certain clauses of the bill were inconsistent with the Constitution and therefore it, in its present form, could be passed into law only by two-thirds approval of Parliament and approval of the people by referendum.

However, the government decided to do away with such provisions for the Bill to be passed by a simple majority.

The Cabinet agreed that the majority members of the proposed Commission should be Sri Lankans.

Also, a new provision will be incorporated to make it mandatory for the appointment of a Sri Lankan as its Chairman.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa opened the debate on the bill in the House today. It will be taken up for enactment in the evening. (Kelum Bandara)