Speaker signs 21st Amendment to the Constitution Bill

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena today endorsed the certificate on the 21st Amendment to the Constitution Bill passed by a special majority in Parliament recently. 

Accordingly the Bill will come into force from today.  

The Bill was presented to the Parliament on August 10, 2022 by Minister Dr. Wijedasa Rajapaksa while amendments were made as per the Supreme Court Determination.

At the end of the second reading on October 21, 179 members voted in favor and 1 vote against., 174 votes were in favor and one vote was against  during the third reading vote.

 
The Bill  provided provisions to set up the Constitutional Council which comprises Prime Minister, Speaker, Leader of Opposition and  representatives of opposition parties. The legislation also prohibit those who hold duel citizenship to contest elections. (Yohan Perera)