The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has called on political parties in Parliament to allow their MPs to speak and vote according to their conscience when the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution is taken up.
The statement comes after the Supreme Court determined that the Bill does not require approval by the people at a referendum. Parliament has scheduled the Second Reading debate on the amendment for September 24 and 25.
The BASL stressed that the Supreme Court determination relates to the constitutional requirements for enacting the Bill and should not be interpreted as a judgment on whether the proposed amendment represents good or bad policy, or whether Parliament should enact it.
It said the responsibility now rests with Parliament and individual MPs to decide whether the amendment should be enacted, taking into account its possible consequences and concerns over what the BASL described as a lack of transparency and proper consultation in introducing the amendment.
The BASL also pointed to concerns raised by religious bodies, legal and judicial organisations, international legal bodies and more than 40 professional associations and unions.
“Accordingly, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka calls upon all the political parties in Parliament to allow the Members of Parliament to speak and vote on the 22nd amendment according to their conscience,” the association said.
It said MPs should take a principled position, considering their constitutional and representative responsibilities and their duty to the people of Sri Lanka. (Newswire)