Supreme Court Concludes Hearings on Anti-Corruption Bill, Determination to Be Sent to Speaker, President

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Supreme Court today (4) announced that it will communicate its confidential determination on the constitutionality of the Anti-Corruption Amendment Bill presented by the Government to Parliament to both the President and the Speaker of Parliament, following the conclusion of hearings into petitions challenging the proposed legislation.

The petitions were considered before a three-member Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Shiran Gooneratne, Mahinda Samayawardena and Sampath Wijeratne.

When the petitions were taken up for hearing today, Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle, appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, made submissions before the Court.

During his arguments, Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle maintained that the Anti-Corruption Amendment Bill presented by the Government would not in any way undermine or diminish the powers of the judiciary.

Here's an extract of the submission made to court by Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle:

"Your Lordships, the only issue before this Court is whether this Bill is consistent with the Constitution or otherwise. We intend to place before Court a number of relevant judicial precedents on this matter. This Bill is also linked to national security. National security does not refer only to the physical security of the State; it also includes the country's economic security. A country cannot progress without protecting its economy."

Having considered the submissions made by both parties, the Supreme Court announced that its determination would be forwarded to the Speaker at a later date.