22nd Amendment Bill gazetted by President

19 July 2024 03:53 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 48 Bookmark

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Colombo, July 19 (Daily Mirror)- The bill titled the 'Twenty-second Amendment to the Constitution' was published in a gazette notification, as ordered by the President.

The relevant gazette notification was issued on July 18, 2024 to amend Article 83 (b) of the Constitution. According to Clause 2 of the Bill, Article 83 (b) of the Constitution is amended by the substitution for the words “to over six years,” to the words “to over five years.”

The Lawyers’ Collective, a prominent legal advocacy group in Sri Lanka had criticised the proposed Twenty-Second Amendment to the Constitution Bill, as an attempt to manipulate the electoral process.

The Lawyers' Collective stated that the legal effect of this amendment would be that a bill that seeks to extend the term of office of the President or the duration of Parliament to over five years would require a two-thirds majority in Parliament and the approval of the people at a Referendum.
The Lawyers' Collective reiterated that there is no urgency whatsoever in lowering the upper limit of the terms of the President and Parliament and it urges all democratic forces to oppose it.

Comments - 48

S. Samarakoon Friday, 19 July 2024 04:07 PM

What Election Commission gave time for !! Sad indeed. 10 Bn down for nothing !! Supreme Court has already given the ruling of 5 Years.

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These opposition guys had a grievance to complain Friday, 19 July 2024 05:57 PM

Any power hungry politician could have utilised the error to extend his period in power, if and when he wants. Now the loophole is closed. The clamouring and drum beats of several opposition politicians, these two to three days is a disgrace. They were behaving as if Ranil has snatched their power, which they never had!

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Dinesh Friday, 19 July 2024 04:13 PM

Always lawyers are not right. There was an error in the previous amendement and now it is corrected. So what is the issues ?.

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Ram Friday, 19 July 2024 04:37 PM

If there was an issue what is the mad rush to correct it now. Why not correct it with the new government. Even if Ranil loses this election he can cause the amendment to be tabled as a Members Bill. The rush is to put off the election and spend the money kept for Presidential election on a Referendum. These things happens only with power hungry buffoons

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Ajith Friday, 19 July 2024 05:11 PM

Totally agree. Let's fix it now. Why is everyone acting with such fear? Totally unwarranted. Wijedasa playing politics for MS.

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Johan Friday, 19 July 2024 04:17 PM

But this amendment is not valid to the present president who is without people 's mandate.The election has to go as 2019 in which Gota was elected .But this is applicable to the next govt.if passed .I do not think people will vote in favour because everyone is frustrated.

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Zacky AMM Friday, 19 July 2024 04:50 PM

What does it mean? Whether the cabinet considers currently the duration of the SL President is six years?

3 8

Fear mongering at best Friday, 19 July 2024 04:52 PM

There is a lot fear mongering by the interested parties to provoke people by suggesting the election will be postponed. RW can only serve the balance period of GR Presidency. The Supreme Court has repeatedly determined the duration of Presidency is five years. There us no chance the 22nd Amendment will be applicable to RW. Most of these objections seem only to create an impressionthat RW has no chance if winning and hence he is resorting to all kinds of delaying tactics. If there is an inconsistency in the constitution it needs to be remedied.

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sach Friday, 19 July 2024 09:27 PM

You clearly have no idea about what RW is trying to do.

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Sri Wickrema Saturday, 20 July 2024 06:30 AM

Once this amendment is passed RW will have the authority to hold a referendum to put off the presidential election. That is what he is trying.

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LOOKS LIKE THE NEXT SPIN WILL BE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS CALLED OFF OR POSTPONED Friday, 19 July 2024 04:55 PM

THIS ORDER BY THE PRESIDENT MAY BRING OUT PEOPLES POWER ONTO THE STREETS IN A BIGGER FORCE, RESULTING HIS ORDER SENDING HIM OUT LIKE IT DID GOTA. PEOPLE ARE SICK AND FED UP OF THIS DICTATOR AKKA FOX SPINNING HIS ELECTION GIMMICKS ONE AFTER THE OTHER.

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GMC Friday, 19 July 2024 04:56 PM

Ranil

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K.J. James Fernandopulle - (Attorney-at-Law) Friday, 19 July 2024 05:04 PM

No way, Mr. President. You are just a Zero vote President for us and 19th Amendment will not apply to your ruling which will last for another 2-3 months. Stop your nonsense and come forward to face the election like a gentleman, otherwise things will work very badly against you and your Justice Minister Wijedasa.

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Don Jr. Friday, 19 July 2024 11:28 PM

He just did the impossible. He lost in 2005 because the JVP opposed his policies and supported MR who bribed the LTTE to keep the Tamil people from voting. Ranil's policies then and now are the same. He brought us back from hell, imagine he wasn't cheated out of a presidency back then?

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slcitizen Friday, 19 July 2024 05:09 PM

How to save the country from this maniac..?

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Rev. A. Perera Friday, 19 July 2024 05:10 PM

This is a rogue amendment that MUST be defeated by the people. We the voters of this country demand a referendum in this regard. To vote a president or a parliament is the right if the people that cannot be violated by anyone.

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Lakshman maddumahewa Friday, 19 July 2024 05:20 PM

So called lawyers collective is political organ of SJB.13,17,18,19,20 21 all amendments of the constitution leagalized without a referendum. It is laughing those who baking very simple amendment. Hypocrisy.

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Lakshman maddumahewa Friday, 19 July 2024 05:20 PM

So called lawyers collective is political organ of SJB.13,17,18,19,20 21 all amendments of the constitution leagalized without a referendum. It is laughing those who baking very simple amendment. Hypocrisy.

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Sugathaloana Friday, 19 July 2024 05:36 PM

Some Acharies are responsible for the loopholes and this move is at an unsuitable moment. This is not what country needs which is already damned locally and causes negative international responses.

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Sajith De Silva Friday, 19 July 2024 05:46 PM

Government should have meeting with electronic and print media to explain the motive behind it bring at this moment and clear any doubt regarding delaying Presidential election.

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Nihal Amarasekera Friday, 19 July 2024 05:49 PM

What is happening is clear. More by crook, hook is idling

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ACA Friday, 19 July 2024 06:28 PM

It is an insult to former UNP leaders to have this selfish and shameless person as UNP leader. He will learn a good lesson from the people of the country. Your days are numbered and running out soon.

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Lakshman maddumahewa Saturday, 20 July 2024 06:49 AM

What a logic more insult current president then previous? JRJ through 13 ,giving provical councils and even north

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Lakshman maddumahewa Saturday, 20 July 2024 06:49 AM

What a logic more insult current president then previous? JRJ through 13 ,giving provical councils and even north

1 0

Roberta Flack Friday, 19 July 2024 07:36 PM

The tragedy of this country is that politicians who cannot get elected by the people, will go to great lengths to manipulate and distort every law to remain in power. MR lost the election in 2005 but was saved by the fraud done by the LTTE under Tiran’s supervision. In 2009 MR lost to Sarath but manipulated his way to remain in power. In fact he too like Ranil should go down in history as a President who was never elected by the people very much like Ranil. Today, RW is doing the same using every conceivable trick in the book but he will never be allowed to have his way as ultimately the law of the country will come to bite him. We trust the judiciary and the lawyers to do their part.

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Dee Friday, 19 July 2024 08:46 PM

The comments goes on to show the literacy levels of Sri Lankan folk. No wonder the country is in this state!

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Rathnavali Friday, 19 July 2024 10:09 PM

Before commenting people should check the Constitution and the wording of the Bill. It does not amend the Constitution. It is merely an attempt to rectify and error in fixing the term of the President. If this Bill is adopted by a 2/3 majority in Parliament and approved at a referendum, the President's term will be 5 and not 6 as erroneously provided in the Constitution. All these cases to SC were based on that error. No need to get so panicky over this. RW won't be so foolish to increase his term of office in this manner and create his own downfall by doing so. The opposition is going nuts over this!

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Api Nari da Friday, 19 July 2024 10:38 PM

What is the hurry now?

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Don Jr. Friday, 19 July 2024 11:32 PM

He knows the Constitution like the back of his hand. And he's playing chess with pigeons. He's doing everything right and for what? For his kids to ride sports cars or wear luxury watches?

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Always have hope Saturday, 20 July 2024 10:56 AM

"President's term will be 5 and not 6 as erroneously provided in the Constitution" - This is incorrect. The supreme court who as per the constitution are the only people who can interpret the constitution. They have ruled that it is 5 years. Not once, not twice but 3 times.. What is in question is a clause that says if you want to increase the term of the President or Parliament above 6 years, you got to have a referendum. This in fact is an inactive clause due to the other clauses and there is no need, especially at this time to go and do this. What Ranil seem to be trying is to spend the money on the referendum and say no money for a presidential election. Or he is just trying to divert people's attention so the govt. can then go about signing agreements and other unethical activities that will make it even harder for a new govt to pull the country out of the current mess.

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dinesh Friday, 19 July 2024 11:51 PM

this seems like trying to bring in a referendum for a irrelevant piece of legislation to waste public money ... if anyone think this is done in honesty...you should check if you have horns on your head....

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Ranjan Saturday, 20 July 2024 01:28 AM

There are idiots who are ready to waste ten billion rupees for a referendum in a bankrupt country to just to change few words in the constitution, though the supreme court has given a clear ruling about the subject matter. THIS IS CALEARLY POLITICAL SALVERY. same Ranil did not give money for the important local government election . Ranil is trying out various gimmick as he himself knows that he will not receive at least 20% of votes.

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Kevin Saturday, 20 July 2024 02:29 AM

Looks like Gota left a time bomb by appointing RW as PM which made him president later. 19A was drafted and passed when RW was the PM - head of the legislature where laws are made. There is no use in changing Article 83 when Article 32 clearly says 5 years. This is just a last ditch desperate attempt to disrupt the presidential election which RW lost every time he contested. This is enough reason for the elections commission to declare nominations days now.

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Sen Rajapaksha Saturday, 20 July 2024 03:52 AM

22 amendments in 45 years! almost one every two years!! what an incapable bunch of law makers in the governments !!!

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A Supporter of Ranil Wickremasinghe Saturday, 20 July 2024 04:39 AM

Thanks go to the Election Commission for delaying the announcement of the Presidential Election under the pretext of 'Raahu Kalaya' and 'not having 'Auspicious Time' so that the unelected President can do away with the Presidential Election.

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wickrama Wijayasiri Saturday, 20 July 2024 08:16 AM

the issue is that RW and the puppet master are trying to postpone the election should this go in to a referendum. His uncle did similar too!

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Always have hope Saturday, 20 July 2024 08:43 AM

Lot of people blame the Rajapaksa's for the current state of the country. But it is actually Ranil that should be blamed. He did all these type of tactics to change the UNP constitution and prevent alternate leaders to emerge thereby preventing the people of the country with good options to lead the country. We all know what happened to the UNP.. Now he is trying the same on the country it self. If he succeeds he will destroy whatever is left of this country and will bring bloodshed back to the country. The last and only referendum in 82 caused the 83 riots against the tamils and also the JVP insurrection. Looks like history is going to repeat itself again if this is not stopped.

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Terrence K Saturday, 20 July 2024 08:55 AM

What has Wijedasa Rajapakse have to say as he gave an assurance to the public that this gazette will be held in abeyance. It is better if you had kept your mouth shut as the President by his action has put you to shame and by this you will be labelled as a "LIAR" Once again it would be appropriate to reiterate the golden words of Ranjan Ramanayke who said that all politicians are the same who cannot be trusted like " foxes who are in charge of the henhouse"!!!!!

1 3

FredSnR Saturday, 20 July 2024 09:28 AM

These are distractions to keep the public away from what is really happening. What is happening is something each individual will have to work out. Is it that we are now pawns in a global(read regional) power struggle where the country is being carved out? But that is an opinion. It may not be the case. Best to have that election.

1 1

Not good Saturday, 20 July 2024 09:40 AM

Is it iimportant to ammend the period of president rather than supporting to presidential election If he went to refferandom whose money is going to spend then after one year is he going to spend public money again for presidential election? What a power Hungry politician every one should raise their hand to oppose this type of silly work due to their power hungry Already we fallen bankruptcy if we go refferandom and presidential election within one year how we can improve our country among this type of power hungry person he had to do a lot of things to eliminate poverty and starvation but he is focusing on secure his seat Why election department is delying to announce the election date even though they got power Why daillymirror not writing any article against this type of silly work as to prevent the wasting public money for unnecessary work (refferandom) So opposition and people should urge EC to announce the election with immediate

1 1

Dominic Silva Saturday, 20 July 2024 10:25 AM

Even after the match is lost, without walking back to the pavilion Ranil is trying to show off strokes which is no use anyway. It applies to his slave Wijedasa Rajapakshe too.

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William Davidson Saturday, 20 July 2024 10:27 AM

Who is bothered about 19th or 20th or 22nd. These are good for RW to play Power Station games always. Shame of you Ranil, wearing Coat

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Harsha karunaratne Saturday, 20 July 2024 11:28 AM

RW is one of the most cunning, greedy and selfish politicians Sri Lanka has ever produced. Fortunately majority realized this fact early and kept him out of power in elections in the past. If some people still had some respect for this person as a politician, he would lose that too prior to expiry of his tenure in November because of his behaviour as what happened to MR. At least it's good that people will see the true colours of these politicians.

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A Supporter of Pohottuwa Saturday, 20 July 2024 12:42 PM

The current Election Commission is the best so far in this country. The Commission is considering 'Raahu Kalaya' and Auspicious Time' before announcing the dates for Nominations and Elections. Members of the Commission must reveal how much money they received from Ranil Wickremasinghe and Rajapaksas to delay the announcement.

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LankanLover Saturday, 20 July 2024 03:02 PM

I could sense so much greediness, Bless this country and it's people.

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CitizenP Saturday, 20 July 2024 03:18 PM

For the last 50 years Ranil never contested for Presidential Election. He became president just to fill the vacancy and he is trying to stay in this seat as long as he can by undemocratic way..

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William Fox Saturday, 20 July 2024 03:59 PM

World Best unelected Dictator! Must be garlanded very soon!

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ROSH Sunday, 21 July 2024 07:00 PM

Excellent news unelected master debating president loves amendment of the position of his trousers when he spend his steamy double bed in mile high club.

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