LG bodies amendment bills inconsistent with constitution – Speaker conveys SC’s determination

The Supreme Court has determined that the three Bills titled Pradeshiya Sabhas (Amendment), Urban Councils (Amendment) and Municipal Councils (Amendment) are inconsistent with the Constitution.

This was conveyed to the parliament by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena this morning (Aug 08). The three Bills had been challenged in the Supreme Court pursuant to Article 121(1) of the Constitution.

Upon consideration of the three Bills, the Supreme Court have observed that Clause 2 of the three bills is inconsistent with Articles 1, 12(1), 82, 83, and 104(b) of the Constitution.

In its determination, the Supreme Court has mentioned that these Bills need to be passed in the parliament by a special majority and approved by the people at a referendum by virtue of the provisions of Article 83 of the Constitution.