The Government intends to pass the provisions of the Anti-Corruption Amendment Bill requiring a special majority with a two-thirds majority in Parliament, and does not intend to seek approval through a referendum, Cabinet of Ministers Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated. He made the remarks in response to a question raised at the weekly Cabinet media briefing held on Tuesday (29).

The Supreme Court’s (SC) determination on the Bill was recently communicated to Parliament. According to the Determination, certain provisions of the Bill can be passed by a simple majority, while others require a special majority. However, the SC has Determined that Clause 17 requires approval by a special majority as well as approval by the people at a referendum.

Commenting on the matter, he said that a Parliamentary debate on the Bill is scheduled to be held on 8 October, followed by a vote. He said that provisions requiring a two-thirds majority could be passed with the required majority in Parliament, adding that the Government does not intend to proceed with a referendum. He further explained that, if a referendum is not pursued, the relevant provision could either be amended at the Committee Stage and subsequently submitted for the Attorney General’s approval, or removed from the Bill.