CC to reconstitute independent commissions including EC

The Constitutional Council yesterday (25) decided to call for nominations for independent commissions including the Election Commission. Speaker Mahinda Abeywardena chaired the meeting.

This was announced by Parliament yesterday. The following is the text of statement issued by Janakantha Silva, Director Legislative Services /Director Communication (Acting):

“The Constitutional Council members, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Sajith Premadasa, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, MP Sagara Kariyawasam, Dr. Prathap Ramanujam, Dr. Dilkushi Anula Wijesundere, and Dr. Dinesha Samararatne were present at the meeting.

MP Kabir Hashim informed the committee of his inability to attend this meeting due to unavoidable circumstances. Also, the Secretary General of Parliament, Dhammika Dasanayake, as well as the Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General, Kushani Rohanadeera, were also present.

The Constitutional Council discussed the future activities of the Council, along with the mandate of the Constitutional Council, stipulated in the Constitution, and the other Laws.

It also discussed the constitution of the Commissions, specified in Schedule to Article 41B of the Constitution, and agreed to call for applications from interested and qualified individuals, through a newspaper advertisement.

Accordingly, a newspaper advertisement will be published, calling for applications for the appointment as Members of the Election Commission, the Public Service Commission, the National Police Commission, the Audit Service Commission, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, the Finance Commission and the Delimitation Commission and the National Procurement Commission. A period of two (02) weeks from the date of advertisement will be given to furnish such applications. More details about the application process will be notified through the newspaper advertisement.

The Constitutional Council unanimously agreed to discharge duties and functions of the Council, in an independent, accountable and transparent manner.”