Two more petitions filed in SC against Presidents’ Entitlements Repeal Bill

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda  

Two additional Special Determination petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the proposed Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill, which was presented in Parliament with the aim of repealing the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, No. 4 of 1986.  

Harindraratna Banagala, a resident of Veyangoda, and Premasiri Wijesekera of Pannipitiya filed these petitions, alleging that clauses 1 to 4 of the proposed Bill violate the provisions of the Constitution, particularly Articles 1, 3, 4, and 12(1).  

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) activist Renuka Dushyantha Perera had earlier filed a similar petition.  

The petitioners are seeking a declaration that the Bill requires approval by the people at a referendum, in addition to receiving a two-thirds majority in Parliament.  

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara presented the Bill in Parliament, and once enacted, it will repeal the special privileges currently granted to former Presidents, their families, and retired Members of Parliament.