BASL Calls For MPs To Vote Freely On 22A

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has called on all political parties represented in Parliament to allow Members of Parliament to vote according to their conscience when theTwenty-Second Amendment to the Constitution Bill is taken up for consideration.

In a statement issued following the Supreme Court's determination on the Bill, the BASL noted that the Court had ruled that the proposed amendment does not require approval by the people at a referendum.

The BASL stressed that the determination should not be interpreted as a judgment on whether the amendment represents good or bad policy, whether it is desirable or undesirable, or whether Parliament should ultimately enact it.

The Association pointed out that Sri Lanka's constitutional history has seen numerous amendments that met constitutional requirements but nevertheless had adverse consequences for democracy, constitutionalism, judicial independence and the rule of law.

According to the BASL, the responsibility now rests entirely with Parliament and each individual Member of Parliament to decide whether the proposed amendment should be enacted. 

In making that decision, MPs should carefully consider the possible and probable consequences of the amendment, as well as concerns regarding the lack of transparency and the absence of a comprehensive consultative process in its introduction.

The BASL urged all political parties to permit MPs to speak and vote freely on the amendment and stated that lawmakers should adopt a principled position based on their constitutional responsibilities, representative role and duty to the sovereign people of Sri Lanka.