SC concludes hearing into VAT bill; determination to be communicated to Speaker

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda

The Supreme Court yesterday concluded the arguments put forward in support and against the proposed Value-Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, which was placed on the order paper of Parliament recently.
Accordingly, all parties relating to the petitions were directed to submit their written submissions regarding these special determination petitions.

Later on, the Supreme Court’s determination over the proposed VAT bill is to be communicated to the Speaker.
The Supreme Court three-judge bench comprised of Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Justice S. Thurairaja and Justice Arjuna Obeysekera. 

Two petitioners, including businessman M. Victor, filed these petitions, naming the Attorney General as respondent. The petitioners are seeking a declaration that the bill in whole or in part violates the Constitution, thereby requires the approval by the people at a referendum and a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

The bill was presented to Parliament by Prime Minister and Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Dinesh Gunawardena for its first reading.
President’s Counsel Dr. Kanagiswaran and Senior Counsel Dharshana Weraduwage appeared for the petitioners. Deputy Solicitor General Nirmalan Wigneswaran appeared for the Attorney General.