Parliament to Debate Anti-Corruption Bill as Supreme Court Flags Key Clauses

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Parliament is scheduled to meet from October 6 to 9.

Accordingly, on Tuesday, October 6, Parliament is scheduled to debate two regulations under the Foreign Exchange Act, an Order published under the Foreign Exchange Act, and a resolution under the Public Debt Management Act.

On Thursday, October 8, the Second Reading debate on the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill is scheduled to be held, with a vote due to be taken at 5.00 p.m. the same day.

The Supreme Court has determined that certain provisions of the bill are inconsistent with the Constitution. As a result, Clause 6(7) of the proposed legislation will require approval by a special majority in Parliament before it can be enacted.

The clause concerns the declaration of assets and liabilities by owners, chairpersons and directors of media institutions registered with the Ministry of Mass Media, as well as entities holding licences issued by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission.

According to the Supreme Court's determination, the provision can only be passed with the support of a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

The Court has also ruled that any move to exclude the publication of asset and liability declarations relating to individuals who have resided for more than six months with a person required to submit such declarations would similarly require the approval of a two-thirds parliamentary majority.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has determined that a separate provision contained in the bill, which prevents a Magistrate from granting bail for offences introduced under the proposed legislation and imposes strict limitations on the granting of bail by the High Court, cannot be enacted without approval at a referendum.