Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunnetti says that some groups are deliberately misinterpreting a statement made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake regarding the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution.    

President Dissanayake recently stated at a public rally held in Bulathsinhala that the 22nd Amendment Bill would be passed in Parliament as soon as possible.

Following the President’s statement, opposition MPs expressed various views and raised concerns over the remarks.

Responding to the criticism levelled by the Opposition, Minister Sunil Handunnetti, speaking on the “360°” programme aired on TV Derana last night (07), said there was no contradiction between the President’s statement and the constitutional process.

When Minister Handunnetti was questioned whether the President’s statement that the Bill would be passed immediately after the Supreme Court’s determination could undermine public confidence in the judiciary, the Minister said:

“No. We are bringing this precisely to have it passed by Parliament. Whatever determination the Supreme Court makes, the first requirement would be to obtain a two-thirds majority in Parliament, along with a referendum where required. Alternatively, if the Supreme Court determines that a referendum is not necessary, the Bill can be passed with a two-thirds majority in Parliament. In both circumstances, obtaining a two-thirds majority in Parliament is essential.”

He was further questioned whether the Government could immediately pass the Bill if the Supreme Court determines that a referendum is required, despite securing a two-thirds majority in Parliament, the Minister said there was no contradiction with the President’s statement.

“There is no contradiction between what our President said and that position. The President said only that it would be passed in Parliament immediately. If the Supreme Court determines that a referendum is required, there is no issue with that,” he said.