SC clears SL Land Development Corp. (Amendment) Bill

The Supreme Court has informed Parliament that the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, that seeks to enhance the powers of the entity, is not inconsistent with the Constitution and can be passed with a simple majority in the House.

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene yesterday announced the Supreme Court’s determination to the House. 

The amendment bill which was presented to the House last month enhances the fines and terms of imprisonment for those found guilty by a Magistrate’s Court for violating the provisions of the SL Land Development Corporation Act. 

The Bill once approved by Parliament will also give the Corporation powers to “enter into joint ventures, partnerships or other commercial agreements with foreign or local companies or individuals directly, jointly or otherwise, within or outside Sri Lanka with the concurrence of the Minister and in accordance with other written law to achieve the objects of the Corporation by utilising the skilled labour, expert knowledge and the experience of the Corporation.”

The corporation functions under the purview of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is also the Minister of Finance, Urban Development and Housing. 

The Bill was challenged in the SC on grounds that some of its clauses are inconsistent with the Constitution.