Govt. to amend 37 existing laws including MMDA

• Justice Minister says Govt. will fulfil pledge of introducing one law for entire country
• Tells Parliament foundation for new court complex to be laid on 25 Jan.
• Legal sector to be digitalised, new Constitution in the making
• Opp. Whip requests Govt. make constitution-making process inclusive

Justice Minister Ali Sabry yesterday said the Government is looking to amend 37 pieces of legislation, including the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA) to make the age of marriage 18 for all.

“One should remember that some extremists use religion and ethnicity to fulfil their own interests. Our government will fulfil its pledge of introducing one law for the entire nation. Our intention is to liberate both the oppressor and the oppressed,” the Minister said.

The Minister also said the foundation for a new court complex at Hultsdorf, which will be built at the cost of Rs. 16.5 billion, will be laid by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on 25 January.

“We will digitalise the legal sector and amend 37 existing laws including the MMDA to make the age of marriage for all to 18. We will also bring in a new inclusive constitution through the expert committee appointed for that purpose. This committee will meet me soon,” he said.

Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella, who responded to the comment made by the Minister, requested him to appoint a committee, which includes representatives of all ethnic and religious groups, to compile a new constitution. “The Government should not go back to square one and follow the unilateral approach adopted in compiling the 1972 and 1978 constitutions,” he said.