Constitutional Bill in Parliament on 8th September

The Cabinet has given its nod for the Constitutional Amendment. The Constitutional Amendment proposals were submitted to the Cabinet meeting by Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne. Accordingly, SLFP General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena said the new amendment proposals will be submitted to Parliament on the 8th of next month.

Giving views on behalf of the Government, the Minister pointed out that the amendments already drafted by the Government were submitted to the Cabinet today. Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris made a lengthy clarification about the amendments after these were presented to the Cabinet by the Prime Minister. According to the draft, it is mandatory that the person who is holding the Presidency should participate in Parliamentary proceedings once in three months. The restrictions imposed on the President that he can hold office only for two terms have been lifted. It is the right of the people. The number of members in the Constitutional Council has been reduced.

Referring to the Government’s ability to pass the Constitutional Amendment Bill in Parliament, the Minister added that as usual the Emergency debate will be taken up on the 7th. The proposed amendments to the Constitution are to be brought before Parliament as an urgent Bill on the 8th of next month and it is hoped to complete the debate on the 9th. . The Minister said they are confident that more than 160 members would vote with the government.