Colombo Port City Economic Commission challenged in court

COLOMBO: The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) filed two Special Determination petitions challenging the constitutionality of the bill titled “Colombo Port City Economic Commission,” Daily News reported.

BASL President Saliya Pieris PC and Secretary Rajeev Amarasuriya filed two separate petitions seeking a declaration that the bill in whole or in part requires the approval by people at a referendum and requires a special majority under the provisions of Article 84 (2) of the constitution.

The petitioners stated that they institute these applications in their capacity as the president and secretary of the BASL, under the direction and authorization of the Executive Committee of the BASL at a Special Meeting held on April 12.

The petitioners states that the proposed bill was placed on the Order Paper of Parliament on the April 8, 2021.

The petitioner states the proposed bill is of national importance and can carry tremendous and significant economic benefit to the country.

However, the circumstances in which the said bill was placed on the Order Paper has resulted in a lack of consultation and transparency and there has been insufficient time granted to stakeholders to examine the Bill and its effects in details.