Amended 21A draft to be tabled at Cabinet meeting

Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe says the amended draft of the 21st Amendment to the Constitution will be presented at the Cabinet of Ministers meeting next Monday.

The Minister expressed his views when he called on the Chief Prelate of the Amarapura Sect Most Ven. Dodampahala Chandasiri thera today.

The Justice Minister said steps will be taken to introduce the 21st Amendment as political stability is essential to uplift the economy.

Minister Rajapakshe said empowering independent commissions, and re-establishing the Procurement Commission and the Audit Commission, have been proposed through the 21st Amendment adding that the political instability led to the downfall of the economy.

Minister Rajapakshe said another proposal includes preventing dual citizenship holders from being elected to Parliament.

The Minister noted the Chief Prelates, religious leaders, leaders of political parties, and representatives of civil organizations will be briefed on the draft Amendment.

He added the proposed 21st Amendment to the Constitution has been drafted in such a manner that a referendum will not be sought while the formulation of a new Constitution should be vested with a Parliamentary Oversight Committee.