September 03, Colombo (LNW): The Supreme Court has begun examining a series of petitions questioning the constitutionality of the government’s proposed amendments to the country’s anti-corruption laws.
The proceedings, which got underway today (03), are being considered by a three-judge bench consisting of Justices Shiran Gunaratne, Mahinda Samayawardhena and Sampath Wijeratne.
Fourteen petitions have been submitted against the Bill, with former Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris among those challenging the proposed legislation.
The petitioners argue that parts of the Bill are inconsistent with constitutional protections, particularly provisions relating to the sovereignty of the people. Concerns have also been raised over whether the proposed changes could restrict citizens’ access to information.
On those grounds, the petitioners have asked the Supreme Court to rule that the legislation cannot be enacted through an ordinary parliamentary vote. They maintain that its passage would require both a two-thirds majority in Parliament and endorsement by the public through a referendum.