Govt. unenthusiastic of referendum on PC: Keheliya

 Government Media Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella

• Govt. following due process, awaiting SC decision
• Says based on earlier steps SC could request challenges, which Govt. will comply with 
• Cabinet Spokesman opines Govt. more willing to change clauses than hold burdensome referendum 

By Uditha Jayasinghe 

Cabinet Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella yesterday sought to downplay concerns over the Port City Commission Bill, saying the Government will follow the court’s decision and change specific clauses to avoid a referendum. 

Minister Rambukwella told the weekly Cabinet briefing that the Government was unperturbed by the high number of petitions filed against the Port City Commission Bill as it was a sign that due process was being followed. He also recalled earlier instances when important Bills have gone before the Supreme Court, which included the 20th Amendment, and pointed out that the Government had abided by the decisions made by the court in every instance. 

“In previous instances the Supreme Court has either approved the Bill or notified the Government to change certain clauses so that the legislation is in line with the Constitution. Then the Government complies. This could be the case in this instance as well and we are ready and willing to listen to the court’s views. 

“We are willing to make changes as decided by the apex court of the country. We are not very keen to go for a referendum over this Bill as we feel that it would be a burden to the people,” Minister Rambukwella said. 

He also reiterated the public should not have undue concerns over the powers given to the Port City Commission and emphasised there was sufficient oversight by Sri Lankan Parliament and regulators. He also took the view that petitioners going before the Supreme Court were part and parcel of rights enshrined by the Constitution and part of due process. 

“The Government has not hidden anything regarding the Port City since its inception. The entire process has moved from stage to stage across the relevant Government entities including Cabinet. The Attorney General has given his approval for the Port City Commission Bill, which is the standard measure to follow in these situations. We are now awaiting the decision of the Supreme Court.” 

Responding to questions on the statements by fellow Parliamentarian Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, the Cabinet Spokesman declined to comment beyond pointing out that Rajapakshe had the opportunity of raising his concerns within party circles before going public with his views.