•  Port City Bill can be passed with simple majority: GL
• Govt. has accepted all amendments suggested by SC
• Will move amendments at Committee Stage on Thursday

The Cabinet of Ministers last evening gave approval to incorporate amendments indicated by the Supreme Court to the Port City Economic Commission Bill. 

The agreement was conveyed at a special meeting of the Cabinet. 

The two-day debate on the Bill will begin this morning and the Bill will be put to a vote on Thursday evening. The Government will move amendments to the Bill at the Committee Stage debate on the Bill.

Earlier on in Parliament yesterday Education Minister G.L. Peiris said the Government has accepted in its entirety the amendments suggested by the Supreme Court to the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill and it can be passed with a simple majority in the House,.

He said the determination of the SC had been misinterpreted to some to say the Bill required a two-thirds majority and a referendum to get approval but said this would not be required as the necessary amendments would be moved at the Committee Stage debate on Thursday.

“The Government submitted a series of amendments to the SC through the Attorney General, and these have been accepted by the court. The Bill can be passed with a simple majority. That is the effect of the determination of the SC and there is no need for a two-thirds majority or a referendum,” Minister Peiris said.

Separately the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Urban Development and Housing yesterday approved the decision to present the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill to Parliament with amendments.

The Consultative Committee met with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa presiding. Rajapaksa said the Government would act in accordance with the determination of the Supreme Court regarding the Bill.

P’ment supremacy over Port City