Three more petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of a government-backed bill aimed at revoking the privileges of former Presidents.
Three more petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of a government-backed bill aimed at revoking the privileges of former Presidents.
The latest petitions were submitted by Sabaragamuwa University lecturer Mahinda Pathirana, Attorney-at-Law Raveendra Manoj Gamage — a media spokesman for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa — and former Navy Chief of Staff Mohan Wijewickrama. The Attorney General has been named as the respondent.
The petitioners argue that Clauses 1 to 4 of the bill violate key constitutional principles, including the doctrine of separation of powers, the sovereignty of the people, and individual fundamental rights. They claim the bill breaches Articles 1, 3, 4, and 12(1) of the Constitution.
Accordingly, they have requested that the Supreme Court rule that the contested clauses cannot be enacted without a two-thirds majority in Parliament and approval via a public referendum.
Previously, SLPP Administrative Secretary Renuka Perera and two others also filed petitions opposing the bill.
