Justice Minister says 21A first step in long process of overcoming challenges

Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe says the 21st Amendment to the Constitution has been drafted in a manner so it can get passed without going for a referendum.

Justice Minister  Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe

“We are doing what is practically possible. We don’t have to run behind mirages by drafting a Bill; that will have to be approved by the people at a referendum as such an experience is not practical given the situation in the country,” Rajapakshe told Parliament on Tuesday.

He said the 21st Amendment will be the first step in the long process of the country overcoming the many challenges it faces now. “The international community too is keen that we take measures to strengthen Parliament and democracy and this is a main step in that direction,” he said.

The Minister said that the Supreme Court in its determination on the private members bill posted by SJB MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara clearly said many of its clauses will require both the special majority in Parliament as well as a referendum.

“We have done what is possible and feasible,” he said.

The draft Bill which got Cabinet approval on Monday will be Gazetted shortly.