Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said the Supreme Court’s determination on petitions filed against the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution will be formally communicated to Parliament.
Speaking at the weekly Cabinet decisions media briefing, Jayatissa said the Supreme Court will determine whether the proposed constitutional amendment requires only a two-thirds majority in Parliament or whether it must also be approved by the people at a referendum.
He stressed that no party has the authority to call for a referendum independently of the Supreme Court’s determination, whether such a demand comes from the Opposition or the Government.
“After considering all these petitions, the Supreme Court will decide whether only a two-thirds majority in Parliament is sufficient or if a referendum is required in addition to that,” the Minister said.
Jayatissa noted that the Supreme Court has three weeks from today to consider the petitions and communicate its determination to Parliament. He said the Government would decide on the next steps after the court’s ruling is received.
He also rejected any connection between the constitutional process and public rallies being organised under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake by the National People’s Power (NPP).
“The process of seeking a referendum through the Supreme Court has no connection whatsoever to the public rallies being organised under the leadership of the President by the National People’s Power,” he said.
