Parliamentary Council replaces Constitutional Council
A Parliamentary Council is to be established instead of the constitutional Council. This clarification was made at a media briefing in Colombo today.
Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said a new clause has been included. The Council will include the Prime Minister, the Speaker and the Opposition Leader. Provisions have been made to include members representing all communities. The Parliamentary Council will not be revoked simply because the Parliament is dissolved. He said legal provisions have assured the operation of the Council.
Meanwhile, briefing newsmen, Minister Susil Premajayanth pointed out that there are no structural changes to the Constitution in the new proposals. The Minister emphasized that no structural changes are being effected to the Constitution. J.R. Jayawardena introduced the Constitution in 1978. He brought an amendment to the Constitution that a serving President, although the term of office is six years can decide after four years to hold an election for a second term. This amendment was passed with a two-thirds majority. As such, there was no need to go for a referendum. The Minister said it is the people who will decide whether they will elect a President for another term.