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By Kelum Bandara and Yohan Perera
Six petitions were filed in the Supreme Court in connection with the Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crimes and Witnesses Bill, Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody who presided over the parliamentary proceedings at the time conveyed this information to the House.
He said the copies of the petition had been sent to the Speaker in conformity with Constitutional provisions.
The Government presented this Bill in Parliament last week and if enacted, it will criminalize the intimidation of victims of crime and witnesses. The Government introduced the Bill amid intense pressure from sections of the international community and some international organisations. The Government, on several occasions, even notified the UNHRC of its intention to introduce such a Bill.