Resolution on Constitutional Assembly passed in Parliament

The resolution for the appointment of the Constitutional Assembly was passed in Parliament, a short while ago, with amendment and without a vote, Ada Derana reporter said. 

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe presented the resolution in Parliament on January 09 for the appointment of the Constitutional Assembly for the purpose of formulating a new Constitution for Sri Lanka.

It proposes the establishing of a Committee of Parliament referred to as the ‘Constitutional Assembly’ which shall consist of all Members of Parliament, for the purpose of deliberating, and seeking the views and advice of the People, on a new Constitution for Sri Lanka, and preparing a draft of a Constitution Bill for the consideration of Parliament in the exercise of its powers under Article 75 of the Constitution. 

The Speaker of Parliament shall be the Chairman of the Constitutional Assembly while there will be seven Deputy Chairmen of the Constitutional Assembly, who shall be elected by the Constitutional Assembly.

There shall be Constitutional Advisors to the Constitutional Assembly, a Legal Secretary to the Constitutional Assembly and assistants to such Legal Secretary.

There will be Sub-Committees of the Constitutional Assembly such as the Steering Committee consisting of the Prime Minister (Chairman), Leader of the House of Parliament, Leader of the Opposition, the Minister of Justice, and not more than seventeen other Members of the Constitutional Assembly to be appointed by the Constitutional Assembly. 

The Steering Committee shall be responsible for the business of the Constitutional Assembly and for preparing a Draft of a new Constitution for Sri Lanka.