News
Some provisions in 22A needs public approval at referendum – SC
Top Court holds some provisions in Clause 2 of the proposed Amendment is in violation of Article 3 of the Constitution
Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena informed Parliament, yesterday, that the Supreme Court (SC) had determined that the draft bill for the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution contained certain provisions that required people’s approval at a referendum and a two thirds majority in Parliament to become law.
The SC has determined that Clause 2 of the Bill is in violation of the Article 3 of the Constitution, which ensures sovereignty of the people.
The SC has pointed out that the Bill could only be passed in Parliament, with a simple majority by amending the questionable sections.
Full text of the announcement of the Supreme Court decision by the Speaker: “I wish to announce to Parliament that I have received the Determination of the Supreme Court in respect of the Bill entitled “Twenty Second Amendment to the Constitution” which was challenged in the Supreme Court in terms of Article 121(1) of the Constitution.
On an overall consideration of the provisions of the Bill, the Supreme Court has made the following Determination:-
1. The Supreme Court states that the Bill complies with the provisions of the Article 82(1) of the Constitution and requires it to be passed by the special majority specified in Article 82(5) of the Constitution.
2. Clause 2 of the Bill contains provisions inconsistent with Article 3 read together with Article 4(b) of the Constitution and as such may be enacted only by the special majority required by Article 82(5) and upon being approved by the People at a Referendum by virtue of Article 83. However, the necessity for a Referendum shall cease if the proposed Articles 41A(6) and 41B(4) in Clause 2 are suitably amended to remove the deeming provision set out therein.
3. Clause 3 of the Bill contains provisions inconsistent with Article 3 read together with Article 4(b) of the Constitution and as such may be enacted only by the special majority required by Article 82(5) and upon being approved by the People at a Referendum by virtue of Article 83.
However, the necessity for a Referendum shall cease:
(a) if the proposed Article 44(2), the proviso to Article 44(3), Articles 45(1), 46(1), 47(3)(a), 48(3) and 50 in Clause 3 are suitably amended by deleting the reference to the President acting on the advice of the Prime Minister and replacing instead with the President acting in consultation with the Prime Minister;
(b) if the provisions of Article 47(2)(a) are restored in the proposed Article 47(2) in Clause 3.
I order that the Determination of the Supreme Court be printed in the Official Report of today’s proceedings of the House.”
As per the approval given by the cabinet meeting held on 02-06-2025, action is being taken at present to offer the underutilized lands/properties of the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Etate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation Company which are under the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure which have been identified under stage one to suitable investors.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure to provide following lands/properties on a lease basis to the suitable investors for optimal utilization following the prescribed procurement procedure.
• underutilized lands/properties identified under stage two owned by the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Estate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation
Company,
• The Mawarala watte land and the Tea factory 40.48 hectares in extent, located in Matara District belonging to the Tea Shakthi Fund.
• The underutilized land of 1,541 hectares in extent of Kondachchi Estate is enjoyed by the Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation.
The drafting of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has commenced with the objective of equitable distribution of the benefits of the fisheries industry and the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture. This policy has been updated from time to time according to current requirements. However, steps have not been taken to obtain the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for that purpose.
According to the policy declaration of the present government, ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’ the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has been redrafted, updating the aforementioned policy in line with the economic and development objectives of the government.
The recommendations of the Department of National Planning have been received for the drafted policy.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Marine
Resources to implement the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, integrating it with other relevant policies.
News
Expressions of Interest called to develop selected locations within the Pelawatte Sugar Factory premises
It has been recognized that there is potential to develop selected places within. the Pelawatte Sugar Factory, owned by Lanka Sugar (Private) Company Limited, as locations of tourist attraction.
Hence, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship
Development to call for expressions of interest following the prescribed procurement guidelines to identify suitable investors and to invite project proposals from eligible investors to develop the selected locations under Public-Private Partnership method.
Providing underutilized lands/properties to suitable investors for optimal utilization.
Implementation of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy
Expressions of Interest called to develop selected locations within the Pelawatte Sugar Factory premises
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