Parliament has no power to interfere with the election process, says the Minister of Justice

A parliamentary bill will take at least two and a half to three months to become law since it has to go through a rigorous process, Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksa told Parliament.“According to the constitution, it is a long process after a bill is submitted to parliament.” It has to go to the Cabinet Advisory Committee. After that, a period of two weeks is allotted if someone wants to challenge the provisions therein in the Supreme Court. 

  “The court has three weeks to make its decision in respect of such action,” the minister said.

“Accordingly, anyone would realize that it will take at least two and a half months to pass a bill presented to this parliament.”

“It will not become law until it is passed by this parliament and attested to by the Speaker of the House.”

“According to the present system of governance, we will not be able to complete this process for two and a half to three months.”

“We are also bound to act according to the standing orders.” Hence, the election would be over by the time this law is enacted. He was referring to the private members’ bill presented by Premanth Dolawatte.

Then, the opposition leader questioned the Minister of Justice to make a firm statement about whether the local government elections will be held and completed according to schedule by March 20 or not.

In response, the Minister stated that the 21st Amendment to the Constitution has given the Election Commission full powers and that Parliament has no authority to interfere with them.

The minister said that as a government, they would support the implementation of the plan of the Election Commission.