Sad day for #Democracy in #SriLanka... a large majority of MPs voted to enact #20A to reduce checks and balances, and to concentrate powers in the office of President...
#Constitution
#SeparationOfPowers
#RuleOfLaw
#Constitution
#SeparationOfPowers
#RuleOfLaw
Several Govt MPs who objected to clauses such as that permitting dual citizens seeking election to Parliament, (and those who said they could not in good conscience vote for 20A), voted for it anyway! #Hypocrisy
However, due to wide opposition to the #20A, including the concerns raised by the opposition during the debate, a few of its draconian features were mitigated, including:
1) Dissolution of Parliament clause amended at Committee Stage to ensure Parliament cannot be dissolved for 2 1/2 years (unless budget is defeated twice). Original 20A would have permitted dissolution immediately after an election if the previous Parliament ran it's full term.
2) requirement that the Auditor General be a "qualified auditor", and that he can audit companies in which the State holds over 50% shares was reintroduced. The original #20A sought to remove those provisions.
3) Attempt by #20A bill to make President immune from suit (i.e. not subject to jurisdiction of court) was prevented due to the determination of the Supreme Court.
The Govt also introduced totally new amendments / provisions at Committee Stage, which were not in the original #20A bill and which were not submitted for the Supreme Court's consideration... see @LuwieNiranjan's criticisms on this:
https://twitter.com/LuwieNiranjan/status/1319313522690490369?s=20
Shocking that those provisions were made at Committee Stage when the #20A itself has a provision that amendments at Committee Stage should not deviate from the merits and principles of the Bill. #Hypocrisy
4) Reintroducing ceiling of number of Ministers which the original 20A bill sought to repeal.
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