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By Ashwin Hemmathagama – Our Lobby Correspondent
The Government will be discussing the concerns of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) pertaining to the recent amendment to the Provincial Councils Elections, which was passed by Parliament.
Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, in response to a question raised by UPFA Joint Opposition Parliamentary group leader MP Dinesh Gunawardena, who wanted to know the Government’s position over the annoyance expressed by the BASL over the manner in which the amendment was passed in Parliament, stated that the BASL has come forward with suggestions.
“On Sunday, I inquired from the President of the Bar Association if there was a problem about a decision, which was discussed among many political parties and was voted on in Parliament. I invited them for a discussion and also to talk with other party leaders. This is all about an internal procedure of the Parliament and what is provided by Article 4 of the Constitution. They have informed me on Monday that they would prefer to meet both the President and I,” said the PM, who assured the House that he has not taken the matter lightly.
MP Gunawardena, referring to the latest edition of the Parliamentary Practice by Erskine May, suggested that the Government reconsider its steps. “The latest edition of the Erskine May provides a different opinion. According to it, Erskine May has changed his opinion with regards to the actions of the legislature with regards to matters pertaining to the Judiciary,” said MP Gunawardena.
However, the PM stated that the exercise of sovereignty provided in Article 4 of the Constitution will be resorted to. “If I’m not mistaken, during the National State Assembly period when T.S. Fernando was the Chairman of the Constitutional Court, he took over two weeks (to reach a verdict). But both the Government and the Opposition agreed with regards to the powers of the Parliament during the debate, which was held here. It is also followed in this Parliament as well. We will consider Article 4, the Standing Orders as well as Erskine May,” explained the PM.
UPFA Joint Opposition MP Wimal Weerawansa wanted the PM to explain the legality of moving an amendment during the committee stage to limit a person who could run for presidency provided the particular candidate was a parliamentarian for over 40 years.
The Prime Minister, rejecting the hypothesis of Weerawansa, stated that those who supported destroying the legitimacy of Parliament had no ethical right to raise such a question. “Well, the matter is about holding office for two terms, running for re-election and getting removed. Those who helped remove the powers of the legislature are now speaking. There is no point in your debating over matters which were passed by Parliament. In case you need to then take them up during the debate when we next take up the bill,” said Wickremesinghe.
Three amendments were presented yesterday in Parliament to amend the Municipal Councils Ordinance, Urban Councils Ordinance and Pradeshiya Sabha Act No. 15 of 1987.
According to sources, these amendments will mainly bring in changes to the composition of members in municipal councils, urban councils and pradeshiya sabhas.
Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Faiszer Musthapha moved the amendments which were approved by the Cabinet and will be taken up for debate at a later date. The Municipal Council Amendment Bill will amend Chapter 252 of the Municipal Councils Ordinance, the Urban Councils Amendment Bill will amend Chapter 255 of the Urban Councils Ordinance and the Pradeshiya Sabha Amendment Bill will amend Pradeshiya Sabha Act No. 15 of 1987. (AH)
The Government refused to remove mention of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution from the Parliament Order Paper regardless of keeping the House informed that the Bill will be withdrawn.
Minister of Higher Education and Highways and Leader of the House of Parliament Lakshman Kiriella, declining the concerns of the UPFA Joint Opposition parliamentary group leader MP Dinesh Gunawardena, stated that it was not a matter to be troubled about.
“Let it be in the Order Paper. We will decide what to do with it and act accordingly. What is the hurry you have in doing so? The Government should decide the fate of it and if so, when to do it. You are not here to give orders to the Government,” said Minister Kiriella. (AH)
