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20th Amendment
The following table provides a detailed comparison of the constitution as it stands at present, with the proposed 20th Amendment. This comparison
is accompanied by some initial comments and observations of the Centre of Policy Alternative.
Provision in the Constitution as it Proposed change under the 20th Consequences of Amendment
Exists Amendment / Comments
Presidential Immunity
Article 35 Clause 5 of the 20th Amendment repeals Article According to the proposed 20th
35 and adds the following: amendment, the President will be
immune from all legal proceedings
(1) While any person holds office as President Article 35 during the period of his/ her presidency
of the Republic of Sri Lanka, no civil or criminal (1) While any person holds office as except in the following limited situations
proceedings shall be instituted or continued President, no proceedings shall be instituted or
against the President in respect of anything continued against him in any court or tribunal in a) For acts done by the President in
done or omitted to be done by the President, respect of anything done or omitted to be done by his/her capacity as a Minister
either in his official or private capacity: him either in his official or private capacity. b) Impeachment proceedings in
Provided that nothing in this paragraph shall terms of Article 129(2)
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be read and construed as restricting the (2) Where provision is made by law limiting the time c) Election Petition relating to the
right of any person to make an application within which proceedings of any description may validity of a referendum or
under Article 126 against the Attorney- be brought against any person, the period of time Presidential Election [Article
General, in respect of anything done or during which such person holds the office of 130(a)]
omitted to be done by the President, in his President shall not be taken into account in d) Proceedings in the Court of
official capacity: calculating any period of time prescribed by that Appeal under Article 144 or in
law. the Supreme Court, relating to
Provided further that the Supreme Court shall the election of a Member of
have no jurisdiction to pronounce upon the (3) The immunity conferred by the provisions of Parliament
exercise of the powers of the President under paragraph (1) of this Article shall not apply to any
Article 33(2)(g). proceedings in any court in relation to the exercise The existing provision only grants the
of any power pertaining to any subject or function President immunity from civil and
2) Where provision is made by law limiting the assigned to the President or remaining in his charge criminal proceedings.
time within which proceedings of any description under paragraph (2) of Article 44 or to proceedings
may be instituted against any person, a period of in the Supreme Court under paragraph (2) of The existing provisions also expressly
time during which such person holds the office of Article 129 or to proceedings in the Supreme Court gave citizens the right to file
President of the Republic of Sri Lanka shall not be under Article 130 (a) relating to the election of the Fundamental Rights applications in
taken into account in calculating any period of President or the validity of a referendum or to terms of Article 126 of the Constitution –
time prescribed by that law. proceedings in the Court of Appeal under Article 144 which is the be removed by the proposed
or in the Supreme Court, relating to the election of a 20th Amendment.
(3) The immunity conferred by the provisions of Member of Parliament:
paragraph (1) shall not apply to proceedings in
the Supreme Court under paragraph (2) of Article Provided that any such proceedings in relation to
129 and to proceedings under Article 130 (a) the exercise of any power pertaining to any such
relating to the election of the President or the subject or function shall be instituted against the
validity of a referendum.”. Attorney-General
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Duties of the President
Article 33(1) It shall be the duty of the President Clause 3 of the proposed 20th Amendment
to - repeals Article 33(1) and Article 33(2) (c)
Article 41A Clause 6 of the 20th Amendment repeals the The Parliamentary Council will be
entire Chapter VIIA of the Constitution, on the comprised of ONLY Members of
The Constitutional Council consists of Constitutional Council and replaces it with a Parliament under the proposed
Three ex officio members - The Speaker, the Parliamentary Council amendment.
Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition
in Parliament.
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[Article 41A (1)(a),(b) and (c)] Article 41A The Members of Parliament appointed to
Parliamentary Council comprising– the Parliamentary Council will owe their
Four other Members of Parliament; (a) the Prime Minister; allegiance to the Government or the main
(b) the Speaker; party in opposition.
➢ One Member of Parliament appointed by
(c) the Leader of the Opposition;
the President. [ Article 41A (1)(d)]
(d) a nominee of the Prime Minister, who There is no representation of other
➢ Two Members of Parliament, appointed shall be a Member of Parliament; and political parties represented in
on the nomination of both the Prime (e) a nominee of the Leader of the Parliament.
Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, who shall be a Member of Parliament:
Opposition. [Article 41A (1)(e)] No provision to appoint persons of
Provided that, the persons appointed in eminence and integrity who are not
➢ One Member of Parliament nominated by terms of sub-paragraphs (d) and (e) above shall members of any political party.
agreement of the majority of the be nominated in such manner as would ensure that
Members of Parliament belonging to the nominees would belong to communities which No recognition of the pluralistic
political parties or independent groups. are communities other than those to which the character of Sri Lanka, and the need to
[Article 41A (1)(f)] persons specified in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) take diverse views into consideration
above, belong. when making appointments to key
Three persons of eminence and integrity who positions.
have distinguished themselves in public or
professional life and who are not members of
any political party, to be nominated together by
the Prime Minister and the Leader of Opposition.
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ensure that the Constitutional Council reflects
the pluralistic character of Sri Lankan society,
including professional and social diversity.
[Article 41A (4) of the Constitution]
(8) Every member of the Council appointed under (7) The tenure of the Council constituted under this
sub-paragraphs (d), (e) and (f) of paragraph (1), Article shall extend for such period as specified in
shall hold office for a period of three years from paragraph (2) of Article 62 and such tenure shall not
the date of appointment unless the member be affected by any prorogation of Parliament in
earlier resigns his office by writing addressed to terms of Article70:
the President, is removed from office by the
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President on both the Prime Minister and the Provided that, the persons appointed as nominees of
Leader of the Opposition forming an opinion the Prime Minister and the Leader of the
that such member is physically or mentally Opposition respectively, may during such tenure
incapacitated and is unable to function further in be removed by the President or in the event of an
office or is convicted by a court of law for any incapacity of such nominee, the President may
offence involving moral turpitude or if a require the Prime Minister or Leader of the
resolution for the imposition of civic disability Opposition, as the case may be, to nominate…...
upon him has been passed in terms of Article 81 another Member of Parliament to be his nominee
of the Constitution or is deemed to have vacated in the Council…..
his office under paragraph (7) of Article 41E.
Article 41B (1) Clause 6 of the 20th Amendment, Article 41(A) Under the existing Constitution,
decisions of the Constitutional Council
Members to the below mentioned Commissions 1) The Chairmen and members of the are binding on the President.
can be appointed by the President only on the Commissions referred to in Schedule I to this Article
recommendation of the Constitutional and the persons to be appointed to the offices In contrast, the Parliamentary Council
Council. The Commissions are; referred to in Part I and Part II of Schedule II to this ONLY makes observations. The President
Article shall be appointed to such Commissions and is not bound by them, s/he only has to
The Election Commission such offices by the President. “seek observations”. There is no
The Public Service Commission In making such appointments, the President shall obligation on the part of the President to
The National Police Commission seek the observations of a Parliamentary Council. even consider the observations.
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of SCHEDULE I Therefore, the Parliamentary Council is
Bribery or Corruption 1. The Election Commission. much weaker than the Constitutional
The Finance Commission 2. The Public Service Commission. Council.
The Delimitation Commission 3. The National Police Commission.
The National Procurement Commission 4. The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka. The President’s power to make
The Audit Service Commission. 5. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of appointments to key positions in the
Bribery or Corruption. public service is unfettered.
6. The Finance Commission.
7. The Delimitation Commission
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Article 41B (3) SCHEDULE II The National Procurement Commission
PART I and the Audit Service Commission have
The President is to appoint a Chairman for each 1. The Chief Justice and the Judges of the Supreme been abolished. [See also Clause 57(4)
of the above-mentioned Commissions on the Court. of the 20th Amendment.]
recommendation of the Council. For this purpose, 2. The President and Judges of the Court of Appeal.
the Council shall recommend three names for 3. The Members of the Judicial Service Where there is no procedure set out in
each Commission to the President. Commission, other than the Chairman. the Constitution or in any written law for
the removal of the appointments made;
Article 41B(5)
PART II
1. The Attorney-General. ➢ In terms of the existing constitution
No person appointed under paragraph(1) or a the President can remove such a
person appointed to act as the Chairman or a 2. The Auditor-General.
3. The Parliamentary Commissioner for person with the approval of the
member of any such Commission, shall be Constitutional Council.
removed except as provided for in the Administration (Ombudsman).
4. The Secretary-General of Parliament ➢ In terms of the proposed 20th
Constitution or in any written law, and where amendment, the President does not
there is no such provision, such person shall be even need to obtain the
removed by the President only with the prior (10) No person appointed to be the Chairman or “observations” of the Parliamentary
approval of the Council. member of a Commission referred to in Schedule I
of this Article or any of the persons appointed to the Council and can remove such persons
offices referred to in Part I and Part II of Schedule II at his pleasure.
Article 41C (1) of the Constitution of this Article shall be removed, otherwise than in
Under the proposed 20th Amendment,
the manner provided for in the Constitution or in
the Inspector-General of Police has been
Constitutional Council to approve the nominees any law enacted for such purpose. Where no such removed from the list of offices referred
of the President for; provision is made, such person shall be removed
to in Part I and Part II of Schedule in
➢ The Chief Justice and the other Judges of by the President. Article 41A. This results in a lacuna in the
the Supreme Court appointment of the Inspector-General of
➢ The President and the Judges of the Court Police as the Constitution does not
of Appeal provide for this appointment.
➢ The Members of the Judicial Service
Commission. No Transitional Provisions made to
➢ The Attorney-General deal with appointments to the;
➢ The Auditor-General
➢ The Inspector-General of Police - Right to Information Commission
➢ The Ombudsman - Office on Missing Persons
➢ The Secretary-General of Parliament. - Office for Reparations
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Article 41(c) (3) All three of these Acts require
No person appointed to any Office specified in the appointments to be made on the
Schedule to this Article or to act in any such Recommendation of the Constitutional
Office, shall be removed from such Office except Council.
as provided for in the Constitution or in any law. With the Constitutional Council being
abolished & the resulting Parliamentary
Council not having the power to make
recommendations the individual Acts
will require amendments.
In the absence of a transitional provision
which deals with this situation and
without amendment to the acts, the said
commissions could become defunct.
Article 41E (4) & (5) of the Constitution Article 41A (8) of Clause 6 The Constitutional Council has to
endeavour to make decisions
The Council should endeavour to make every (a) When the President seeks the observations of unanimously, no such qualification
recommendation, approval or decision it is the Council under paragraph (1), he shall require the placed on the Parliamentary Council.
required to make, by unanimous decision. Where Council to convey through the Speaker the
a unanimous decision is not possible, no observations of the Council, on the persons Where there is no unanimity, the
recommendation, approval or decision made by proposed by him for such appointments, within a decisions of the Constitutional Council
the Council shall be valid, unless supported by no period of one week from the date of seeking such have to be supported by at least five
less than five members of the Council present observations. members. No such qualification placed
at such meeting (The Chairman of a meeting will on the Parliamentary Council.
not have an original vote, and is only entitled to a (b) If the Council fails to communicate its
casting vote if there is an equality of votes on any observations to him within the period specified in The Chairperson of the meeting does not
recommendation, approval or decision). sub-paragraph(a), the President shall forthwith have an original vote in the
proceed to make the aforesaid appointments. Constitutional Council.
Article 41E (3) Article 41A (11) of Clause 6 There is no quorum for the meetings of
The procedure to be followed in obtaining the Parliamentary Council, so any
The quorum for any meeting of the Council shall the observations of the Council shall be as number of Members can meet and decide
be five members. determined by the Speaker. to provide “observations”.
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Increase of President’s Powers over the Cabinet of Ministers
Ministers and their subjects and functions Ministers of Cabinet and their subjects and
Article 43 functions.
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Act, so long as he holds the Office of President composition of the Cabinet of Ministers. Such assign to himself any subject or function,
may assign to himself the subjects and functions changes shall not affect the continuity of the Cabinet and additionally shall remain in charge of
of Defence, Mahaweli Development and of Ministers, and the continuity of its responsibility any subject or function which has not
Environment and determine the Ministries to be to Parliament. been assigned to any Minister.
in his charge for that purpose and accordingly,
any reference in any written law to the Minister
to whom such subject or function is assigned,
shall be read and construed as a reference to the
President.
Ministers who are not members of the Cabinet Ministers who are not members of the Cabinet
of Ministers and their Ministries, subjects and functions.
Article 44 Article 45
Under the present Constitution the
(1) The President may, on the advice of the Prime (1) The President may, from time to time, in President has to act on the advice of the
Minister, appoint from among Members of consultation with the Prime Minister where he Prime Minister when appointing Non -
Parliament, Ministers who shall not be members considers such consultation to be necessary – Cabinet Ministers. Under the proposed
of the Cabinet of Ministers. 20th Amendment the President can
(a) appoint from among Members of Parliament, consult the Prime Minister where he
(2) The President may, in consultation with the Ministers who shall not be Members of the Cabinet considers such consultation to be
Prime Minister where he considers such of Ministers; and necessary.
consultation to be necessary, determine the
assignment of subjects and functions to Ministers (b) determine the assignment of subjects and Under the present Constitution the
appointed under paragraph (1) of this Article and functions to, and the Ministries, if any, which are to President could change the assignment
the Ministries, if any, which are to be in charge of, be in charge of, such Ministers. of subjects and functions, but under the
such Ministers. proposed 20th Amendment the President
can change the appointments of Non-
(3) The President may at any time change any Cabinet Ministers as well.
assignment made under paragraph (2). (2) The President may at any time change any
appointment or assignment made under paragraph Under the present Constitution, Non –
(1) of this Article. Cabinet Minister are only responsible to
the Cabinet of Ministers and Parliament,
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(3) Every Minister appointed under this Article shall but under the proposed 20th Amendment
(4) Every Minister appointed under paragraph
be responsible and answerable to the Cabinet of they are responsible and answerable
(1) shall be responsible to the Cabinet of
Ministers and to Parliament. to the Cabinet of Ministers and
Ministers and to Parliament.
Parliament.
(5) Any Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers may, (4) Any Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers may, by
by Notification published in the Gazette, delegate Notification published in the Gazette, delegate to any
to any Minister who is not a member of the Minister who is not a member of the Cabinet of
Cabinet of Ministers, any power or duty Ministers any power or duty pertaining to any
pertaining to any subject or function assigned to subject or function assigned to him, or any power or
such cabinet Minister, or any power or duty duty conferred or imposed on him by any written
conferred or imposed on him by any written law, law and it shall be lawful for such other Minister to
and it shall be lawful for such other Minister to exercise and perform any power or duty delegated
exercise and perform any power or duty to him under this paragraph, notwithstanding
delegated notwithstanding anything to the anything to the contrary in the written law by which
contrary in the written law by which that power that power or duty is conferred or imposed on such
or duty is conferred or imposed on such Minister Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers.
of the Cabinet of Ministers.
Article 45 Article 46
(1) The President may, on the advice of the Prime (1) The President may, from time to time, in Under the present Constitution the
Minister, appoint from among Members of consultation with the Prime Minister, where he President is required to act on the advice
Parliament, Deputy Ministers to assist Ministers considers such consultation to be necessary, appoint of the Prime Minister when appointing
of the Cabinet of Ministers in the performance of from among the Members of Parliament, Deputy Deputy Minsters, but under the proposed
their duties. Ministers to assist the Ministers of the Cabinet of 20th Amendment the President only
Ministers in the performance of their duties. needs to consult the Prime Minister
(2) Any Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers may
by Notification published in the Gazette, delegate when he considers such consultation
(2) Any Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers may, by to be necessary.
to his Deputy Minister, any power or duty
Notification published in the Gazette, delegate to his
pertaining to any subject or function assigned to
Deputy Minister any power or duty pertaining to any
him or any power or duty conferred or imposed
subject or function assigned to him, or any power or
on him by any written law, and it shall be lawful
duty conferred or imposed on him by any written
for such Deputy Minister to exercise and perform
law and it shall be lawful for the Deputy Minister to
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any power or duty delegated notwithstanding exercise and perform any power or duty delegated
anything to the contrary in the written law by to him under this paragraph notwithstanding
which that power or duty is conferred or imposed anything to the contrary in the written law by which
on such Minister. that power or duty is conferred or imposed on such
Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers.
Tenure of office of the Prime Minister, and the Tenure of office of the Prime Minister, Ministers Limitations on the number of
limitation of numbers and tenure of office of and Deputy Ministers. Ministers
Ministers and Deputy Ministers
Article 47 Under the present Constitution there is a
Article 46 limitation on the number of Ministers
The Prime Minister, a Minister of the Cabinet of (30), Non cabinet Minister and Deputy
(1) The total number of– Ministers, any other Minister or Deputy Minister Ministers (40 in total). An exception is
shall continue to hold office throughout the period when a national government is formed,
(a) Ministers of the Cabinet of Ministers shall not during which the Cabinet and in that case Parliament shall decide
exceed thirty; and the number of Minister, Non – Cabinet
of Ministers continues to function under the Ministers and Deputy Ministers.
(b) Ministers who are not members of the Cabinet provisions of the Constitution unless he –
of Ministers and Deputy Ministers shall not, in the Under the proposed 20th Amendment
aggregate, exceed forty. (a) is removed by a writing under the hand of the however, there is no such limitation.
President;
(2) The Prime Minister shall continue to hold Removal of the Prime Minister
office throughout the period during which the (b) resigns his office by a writing under his hand
Cabinet of Ministers continues to function under addressed to the President; or Under the Present Constitution, the
the provisions of the Constitution unless he - Prime Minister cannot be removed by the
(c) ceases to be a Member of Parliament. President, he shall continue to hold office
(a) resigns his office by a writing under his hand throughout the period in which the
addressed to the President; or Cabinet functions unless he resigns or
ceases to be a Member of Parliament.
(b) ceases to be a Member of Parliament.
Under the Proposed 20th Amendment,
the removal of the Prime Minister is
governed by the same provisions as the
(3) A Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers, a removal of any other Minister, including
Minister who is not a member of the Cabinet of
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Ministers and a Deputy Minister, shall continue to by the President.
hold office throughout the period during which
the Cabinet of Ministers continues to function
under the provisions of the Constitution unless
he– Removal of Minister, Non – Cabinet
Minister and Deputy Ministers
(a) is removed from office under the hand of the
President on the advice of the Prime Minister; Under the present Constitution all such
categories of Ministers continue to
(b) resigns from office by a writing under his function unless they resign or cease to be
hand addressed to the President; or a Member of Parliament or if they are
removed by the President acting on
(c) ceases to be a Member of Parliament. the advice of the Prime Minister.
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Cabinet of Ministers After dissolution of Cabinet of Ministers After dissolution of
Parliament. Parliament.
Article 47 Article 48
Under the present Constitution it is
(1) The Cabinet of Ministers functioning (1) The Cabinet of Ministers expressly provided for that the Cabinet of
immediately prior to the dissolution of Ministers functioning while Parliament is
Parliament shall, notwithstanding such functioning immediately prior to the dissolution of dissolved, until the conclusion of the
dissolution, continue to function and shall cease Parliament shall notwithstanding such dissolution General Election, shall comply with the
to function upon the conclusion of the General continue to function and shall cease to function upon criteria set by the Commissioner of
Election and accordingly, the Prime Minister and the conclusion of the General Election. Accordingly, Elections and shall not cause any undue
the Ministers of the Cabinet of Ministers, shall the Prime Minister, Ministers of the Cabinet of influence on the General Election. This
continue to function unless they cease to hold Ministers, other Ministers and Deputy Ministers express provision has been removed
office as provided in sub paragraph (a) of shall continue to function unless they cease to hold under the proposed 20th Amendment.
paragraph (2) or sub paragraph (a) or (b) of office as provided in paragraph (a) or (b) of Article
paragraph (3) of Article 46 and shall comply with 47.
the criteria set out by the Commissioner of
Elections and shall not cause any undue influence (2) Notwithstanding the death, removal from office In the event of the death, removal from
on the General Election. or resignation of the Prime Minister, during the office or resignation of the Prime
period intervening between the dissolution of Minister in the intervening period
(2) Notwithstanding the death, removal from Parliament and the conclusion of the General between the dissolution of Parliament
office or resignation of the Prime Minister, during Election, the Cabinet of Ministers shall continue to and the conclusion of the General
the period intervening between the dissolution of function with the other Ministers of the Cabinet as its Election, the present Constitution
Parliament and the conclusion of the General members until the conclusion of the General empowered the President to appoint
Election, the Cabinet of Ministers shall continue Election. The President may appoint one such another member of the Cabinet to carry
to function with the other Ministers of the Cabinet Minister to exercise, perform and discharge, or may out the duties and functions of the Prime
of Ministers as its members, until the conclusion himself exercise, perform and discharge the powers, Minister (Article 47(2)). However, under
of the General Election. The President may duties and functions of the Prime Minister. If there is the proposed 20th Amendment, if there is
appoint one such Minister to exercise, perform no such other Minister, the President shall himself no such other Minister, the President
and discharge the powers, duties and functions of exercise perform and discharge the powers, duties shall himself exercise such duties and
the Prime Minister. and functions of the Cabinet of Ministers until the functions of the Prime Minister.
conclusion of the General Election.
(3) On the death, removal from office or The same in the case of the death,
resignation, during the period intervening (3) On the death, removal from office or resignation, removal or resignation of a Minister, the
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between the dissolution of Parliament and the during the period intervening between the proposed 20th Amendment allows the
conclusion of the General Election, of a Minister dissolution of Parliament and the conclusion of the President to exercise such powers as
of the Cabinet of Ministers, the President may, on General Election, of a Minister of the Cabinet of well.
the advice of the Prime Minister, appoint any Ministers or any other Minister, the President may
other Minister to be the Minister in charge of the appoint any other Minister to be the Minister in
Ministry of such Minister or to exercise, perform charge of such Ministry or to exercise, perform and
and discharge the powers, duties and functions of discharge the powers, duties and functions of such
such Minister. Minister or may himself take charge of such Ministry
or exercise, perform and discharge such powers,
duties and functions.
Acting Minister and Deputy Minister. Acting Minister and acting Deputy Minister.
Article 49 Article 50
Whenever a Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers, Whenever a Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers, Under the present Constitution the
a Minister who is not a members of the Cabinet of other Minister or Deputy Minister is unable to President needs to act on the advice of
Ministers or a Deputy Minister is unable to discharge the functions of his office, the President the Prime Minister when appointing
discharge the functions of his office, the President may appoint any Member of Parliament to act in Acting Ministers, and this requirement is
may, on the advice of the Prime Minister, appoint place of the said Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers, dispensed with under the proposed 20th
any Member of Parliament to act in the place of other Minister or Deputy Minister. Amendment.
such Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister
who is not a member of the Cabinet of Ministers
or a Deputy Minister.
Article 51 Article 52
(1) There shall be a Secretary to the Prime (1) There shall be for each Ministry a Secretary who There is no separate provision for a
Minister who shall be appointed by the President. shall be appointed by the President. secretary to the Prime Minister under the
proposed 20th Amendment.
(2) The Secretary shall have charge of the office (2) The Secretary to the Ministry shall, subject to the
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of the Prime Minister and shall perform and direction and control of his Minister, exercise
discharge the duties and functions of his office, supervision over the departments of Government or
subject to the directions of the Prime Minister. other institutions in the charge of his Minister. Article 52(4) of the proposed 20th
Amendment allows the Cabinet of
Secretaries to the Ministries (3) The Secretary to a Ministry shall cease to hold Ministers to appoint a secretary who has
office upon the dissolution of the Cabinet of ceased to hold office to any other post in
Article 52 Ministers under the provisions of the Constitution or the public service.
upon a determination by the President under Article
(1) There shall be a Secretary for every Ministry 44 or Article 45 which results in such Ministry A secretary who was immediately prior
of a Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers, who shall ceasing to exist. in the Public or Local Government
be appointed by the President. Service or in the service of any public
(4) Where the Secretary to a Ministry so ceases to corporation shall be deemed to have
(2) The Secretary to a Ministry shall, subject to hold office, the Cabinet of Ministers may appoint been temporarily released from such
the direction and control of his Minister, exercise such Secretary to any other post in the Public service and shall be entitled to revert to
supervision over the departments of government Service: such service without loss of seniority
and other institutions in charge of the Minister. upon his so ceasing to hold office as
Provided that a person who immediately prior to his Secretary.
(3) The Secretary to a Ministry shall cease to hold appointment as Secretary was in the Public or Local
office upon the dissolution of the Cabinet of Government Service or in the service of any public The list of offices which are not deemed
Ministers under the provisions of the corporation shall be deemed to have been to be public offices have been changed
Constitution or upon a determination by the temporarily released from such service and shall be under the proposed 20th Amendment.
President under Article 43 or 44 which results in entitled to revert to such service without loss of
the Ministry ceasing to exist. seniority upon his so ceasing to hold office as
Secretary.
(4) For the purposes of this Article, the office of
the Secretary to the President, the office of the (5) The proviso to paragraph (4) of this Article shall,
Secretary to the Cabinet of Ministers, the office of mutatis mutandis, apply to a Secretary to a Ministry
the Auditor-General, the office of the upon –
Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration
(Ombudsman), the office of the Secretary-General (a) the President terminating his services, otherwise
of Parliament, the Constitutional Council, and the than by dismissal on disciplinary grounds; or
Commissions referred to in the Schedule to
Article 41B shall be deemed not to be (b) his resignation, unless disciplinary proceedings
departments of Government. are pending or contemplated against him on the date
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of his resignation.
Changes to Parliament
Article 70(1) of the Constitution Clause 14 of the 20th Amendment repeals Article
70 (1) and replaces it with the following.
The President can dissolve Parliament; Under the proposed amendment, the
1) The President may, from time to time, by President has the power to decide when
➢ Before the expiration of four and a half Proclamation summon, prorogue and dissolve to dissolve Parliament at any time after
years, since the first meeting of Parliament: one year from the date of such General
Parliament; Provided that – Election, except in certain limited
○ IF two thirds of the Members of (a) subject to the provisions of sub-paragraph (d), situations.
Parliament pass a resolution when a General Election has been held consequent
requesting him to dissolve upon a dissolution of Parliament by the President, This increases the power/ control the
Parliament. the President shall not thereafter dissolve President has over Parliament (coupled
Parliament until the expiration of a period of one with the fact that the President can
year from the date of such General appoint any Member of Parliament as a
➢ After the expiration of four and a half
Election, unless Parliament by resolution requests Minister) and appoint any number of
years since the first meeting of
the president to dissolve Parliament. Ministers.
Parliament.;
(b) the President shall not dissolve Parliament on
Any time at his own discretion
the rejection of the Statement of Government Policy Members of Parliament can by resolution
at the commencement of the first session decide to request the President to
of Parliament after a General Election; dissolve Parliament at any time. This
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resolution will only require a simple
(c) subject to the provisions of sub-paragraph (d), majority.
the President shall not dissolve Parliament after the
Speaker has entertained a resolution complying with
the requirements of sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of
paragraph (2) of Article 38, unless –
Article 91(1)(d)(xiii) of the Constitution Clause 17 of the 20th Amendment repeals Article
91(1)(d)(xiii) of te Constitution
Persons who are dual citizens are disqualified Dual Citizens are no longer disqualified
from being elected as Members of Parliament [by from contesting Parliamentary elections
virtue of article 92(b)]. This provision also and Presidential elections.
disqualifies a person who is a dual citizen from
being elected as President of the Republic.
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Impact on Law making Process
Article 78(1) Clause 15 (1) of the 20th Amendment repeals The proposed amendment reduces the
Every Bill shall be published in the Gazette at Article 78 (1) and replaces it with the following: period of time a Bill has to be made
least fourteen days before it is placed on the accessible to the public (by being
Order Paper of Parliament. Every Bill shall be published in the published in the gazette), before it can be
Gazette at least seven days before it is placed on the placed on the order paper of Parliament
Order Paper of Parliament; (from 14 to 7 days).
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the Bill or any provision thereof is inconsistent There is no requirement to gazette
with the Constitution. A copy of such reference “urgent bills”. This results in a situation
shall at the same time be delivered to the Speaker; where citizens might not even know the
contents of such Bills before it is passed
(c) the Supreme Court shall make its by Parliament.
determination within twenty-four hours (or
such longer period not exceeding three Citizens have NO “right to be heard” in
days as the President may specify) of the such proceedings, the Supreme Court can
assembling of the Court and shall decide whether to allow a person to be
communicate its determination only to the heard “as may appear to the Court to be
President and the Speaker. necessary” [Article 134 of the
Constitution].
(2) The provisions of paragraph (2) of Article 121
shall, mutatis mutandis, apply to such Bill. However, Constitutional amendments or
a new constitution CANNOT be passed as
(3) The provisions of this Article shall not apply an urgent Bill. BUT due to the limitations
to any Bill for the amendment, repeal and on time, Bills which are unconstitutional
replacement, alteration or addition of any provision could be passed into law. [Article 80(3)].
of the Constitution or for the repeal and
replacement of the Constitution
20
Impact on powers of Election Commission
Article 103 of the Constitution Clause 19 of the 20th Amendment effects The below requirements concerning
Election Commission changes to Article 103 (1) and 103 (7) appointments to the Election
Commission no longer exist:
103 (1) There shall be an Election Commission 103 (1) There shall be an Election Commission(in ➢ Recommendation of the
(in this Chapter referred to as the this Chapter referred to as the “Commission”) Constitutional Council to make
“Commission”) consisting of three members consisting of three members appointed by the appointments to the Elections
appointed by the President on the President from amongst persons who have Commission.
recommendation of the Constitutional Council, distinguished themselves in any profession or in ➢ Recommendation of
from amongst persons who have distinguished the fields of administration or education. The Constitutional for President to
themselves in any profession or in the fields President shall appoint one member as its Chairman. appoint Chairman of the
of administration or education. One of the Elections Commission.
members so appointed shall be a retired officer ➢ For one of the members to be a
of the Department of Elections, who has held retired officer of the Department
office as a Deputy Commissioner of Elections or of Elections, who has held office
above. The President shall on the as a Deputy Commissioner of
recommendation of the Constitutional Council, Elections or above.
appoint one member as its Chairman.
Temporary appointments made by the
103 (7) The President may grant a member 103 (7) The President may grant a member leave President to the Elections Commission
leave from the performance of his duties from the performance of his duties relating to the no longer required to be made on the
relating to the Commission for a period not Commission for a period not exceeding two months recommendation of the Constitutional
exceeding two months, and may appoint a person and may appoint a person qualified to be a Council.
qualified to be a member of the Commission to be member of the Commission to be a temporary
a temporary member for the period of such member for the period of such leave. The changes effected to the composition
leave. Every such appointment shall be made and appointments to the Commission
on the recommendation of the Constitutional indicates a reversion to the 18th
Council. Amendment.
21
Clause 20 (1) of the 20th Amendment effects
Article 104B (4) of the Constitution makes changes to Article 104B (4) (a) (i) by replacing the
provision for the Election Commission to prohibit words “the election or any candidate of any political
the use of public or State-owned property for the party”, with the words “the election of any
purposes of Election campaigning candidate or any political party”
(i) for the purpose of promoting or preventing the The insertion of this new clause limits
election or any candidate of any political party Clause 20 (2) of the 20th Amendment inserts the the guidelines issued by the Election
or independent group contesting at such election following provision immediately after Article Commission to the subject matters which
104B (4) (a) (i): are directly connected with the holding
of the respective election or the conduct
(4a) For the avoidance of doubt it is stated that any of the respective Referendum. The
guideline issued by the Commission during the Election Commission will not be
period commencing on the date of the making of an authorized to issue guidelines pertaining
Order for the holding of an election or the date of the to any matter relating to the public
making of a Proclamation requiring the conduct of service or any matter within the ambit of
the Referendum, as the case may be, shall – administration of the Public Service
Commission or the Judicial Service
(a) be limited to matters which are directly Commission.
connected with the holding of the respective election
or the conduct of the respective Referendum, as the
case may be; and
22
the case may be, appointed under the Constitution.”
Article 104E (1) of the Constitution Clause 21 of the 20th Amendment repeals and The approval of the Constitutional
Commissioner General of Elections replaces Article 104E (1) with the following: Council will no longer be required for the
appointment of the Commissioner
General of Elections.
104E (1) There shall be a Commissioner General 104E (1) There shall be a Commissioner-General of This is a reversion to the position in the
of Elections who shall, subject to the approval of Elections who shall be appointed by the Commission 18th Amendment.
the Constitutional Council, be appointed by the on such terms and conditions as shall be determined
Commission on such terms and conditions as may by the Commission. The repeal of Article 104GG would
be determined by the Commission. mean a failure to cooperate with the
Commission to secure the enforcement
of any law relating to the holding of an
23
Article 104GG of the Constitution enacts that Clause 22 of the 20th Amendment repeals Article election or the conduct of a Referendum,
non-compliance with a direction of the Election 104GG of the Constitution or a failure to comply with any directions
Commission will be an offense or guidelines issued by the Commission,
will no longer constitute an offense.
104GG. (1) Any public officer, any employee of
any public corporation, business or other
undertaking vested in the Government under any
other written law and any company registered or
deemed to be registered under the Companies
Act, No. 7 of 2007, in which the Government or
any public corporation or local authority holds
fifty per centum or more of the shares of that
company, who –
(a) refuses or fails without a reasonable
cause to co-operate with the Commission,
to secure the enforcement of any law
relating to the holding of an election or
the conduct of a Referendum; or
(b) fails without a reasonable cause to
comply with any directions or guidelines
issued by the Commission under sub-
paragraph (a) of paragraph (4) or
subparagraph (a) of paragraph (5),
respectively, of Article 104B, shall be
guilty of an offence and shall on
conviction be liable to a fine not
exceeding one hundred thousand rupees
or to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding three years or to both such fine
and imprisonment.
24
Impact on the Powers of the National Police Commission
Article 155A(1) of the Constitution provides that Clause 42 of the 20th Amendment alters this to
a member of the National Police Commission may read, Article 155A(1) There shall be a National The President has unrestricted power
be appointed by the President only with the Police Commission consisting of not more than over the appointment and removal of
approval of the Constitutional Council seven members appointed by the President. members of the Commission. This would
undermine the independence of the
Article 155A(4) of the Constitution provides that Article 155A(4) Every member of the National Police Commission and in turn
a member of the National Police Commission may Commission shall hold office for a period of three the police service.
be removed by the President only with the years from the date of his appointment, (...) or is
approval of the Constitutional Council removed from office by the President(…) This Clause reverts the constitutional
position on the appointments and
Article 155B(5) The Inspector-General of Police Clause 43 of the 20th Amendment repeals Article removal of members of the Commission
shall be entitled to be present at meetings of the 155B(5) to the position adopted in the 18th
Commission, except where any matter relating to amendment.
him is being considered. He shall have no right to
vote at such meetings.
Clause 44 of the 20th Amendment alters this to
Article 155C subjects the Commission to the read
jurisdiction conferred on the Supreme Court under Subject to the jurisdiction conferred on the Supreme The Inspector-General of Police shall no
Article 126 and the powers granted to the Court under paragraph (1) of longer be entitled to be present at
Administrative Appeals Tribunal under Article Article 126, no court or tribunal shall have the power meetings of the Commission.
155L or jurisdiction to inquire into, or
pronounce upon or in any manner call in question
any order or decision made by the Commission or a
Committee, in pursuance
of any power or duty, conferred or imposed on such
Commission or Committee under this Chapter or
under any other law.
25
Clause 46 of the 20th Amendment inserts the
following new Article
26
(2) Where the Chief Justice and the two most This gives unfettered power to the
senior Judges of the Supreme Court are Judges President over the Judicial Service
who have not had any judicial experience Commission which would undermine the
serving as a Judge of a Court of First Instance, independence of the Commission and in
the Commission shall consist of the Chief turn the independence of the Judiciary.
Justice, the senior most Judge of the Supreme Additionally, the deletion of criteria for
Court and the next most senior Judge of such appointment as members of the
Court, who has had experience as a Judge of a Commission reduces the transparency in
Court of First Instance. the appointment process and raises
(3) The Chief Justice shall be the Chairman of concerns on the suitability of the persons
the Commission. appointed to this office.
Removal of a member of the Commission Clause 26 of the 20th Amendment repeals this This Clause reverts the constitutional
Article 111E (6) The President may, with the provision and replaces it with position on the appointments and
approval of the Constitutional Council, and for (6) The President may, for cause assigned, removal of members of the Commission
cause assigned, remove from office any member remove from office any member of the to the position adopted in the 18th
of the Commission. Commission.” Amendment.
27
Commission to Investigate Allegations of
Bribery and Corruption.
Article 153A-153H specify the constitution, Clauses 32-39 of the 20th Amendment repeals The 20th Amendment repeals the
meetings, powers and functions, immunity and Article 153A- 153H of the Constitution Articles on the Audit Service
liabilities of the Audit Service Commission Commission, removing the constitutional
protection given to the Commission. This
28
Powers of the Auditor-General Clause 40 of the 20th Amendment repeals Article is similar to the position under the 18th
Article 154. (1) The Auditor-General shall audit 154 (1) and replaces it with Amendment.
all departments of the Government, the Office of
the Secretary to the President, the Office of the The Auditor-General shall audit the accounts of all
Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Offices of the departments of Government, the Offices of the The Office of the Secretary to the
Cabinet of Ministers, the Judicial Services Cabinet of Ministers, the Judicial Service President, the Office of the Secretary to
Commission, the Constitutional Council, the Commission, the Public Service the Prime Minister will no longer
Commissions referred to in the Schedule to Article Commission, the Provincial Public Service constitutionally be required to be
41B, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Commissions, the Parliamentary Commissioner for audited by the Auditor General. This is
Administration, the Secretary-General of Administration, the Secretary-General of Parliament similar to the position under the 18th
Parliament, local authorities, public and the Commissioner of Elections, local authorities, Amendment. This will reduce the
corporations, business and other undertakings public corporations and business or other transparency and accountability of these
vested in the Government under any written law undertakings vested in the Government under any offices to the public.
and companies registered or deemed to be written law.
registered under the Companies Act, No. 7 of 2007
in which the Government or a public corporation
or local authority holds fifty per centum or more of
the shares of that company including the accounts
thereof.
29
A member of the Public Service Commission may Clause 8 of the 20th Amendment allows a This Clause reverts the constitutional
be removed by the President only with the member to be removed by the President position on the appointments and
approval of the Constitutional Council removal of members of the Commission
Clause 9 of the 20th Amendment changes this to to the position adopted in the 18th
read Amendment.
Article 56. (1) Article 56. (1)
The Commission may delegate to a Committee The Commission may delegate to a Committee
consisting of three persons (not being consisting of three persons (not being members
members of the Commission) appointed by the of the Commission) appointed by the Commission,
Commission, the powers of appointment, the powers of appointment, promotion, transfer,
promotion, transfer, disciplinary control and disciplinary control and dismissal of such
dismissal of such categories of public officers as categories of public officers as are specified by the
are specified by the Commission. Cabinet of Ministers.
30
Commission, or delegated to a Committee or Commission, or delegated to a Committee or public
public officer, under this Chapter or under any officer, under this Chapter or under any other law.
other law.
Other Changes
A person who is; Clause 18 of the 20th Amendment amended Any person who is above the age of
➢ Below the age of 35 years Article 92 of the Constitution thirty is eligible to contest the
[Article 92(a) of the Constitution] or Presidential Election.
by the substitution in paragraph (a) of that Article,
➢ A dual citizen [Article 92(b) of the for the words “thirty five”,of the word “thirty” Persons who are dual citizens are no
Constitution] longer disqualified from contesting
Presidential elections.
Is disqualified from being elected to the
office of President.
31
Clause 56 of the 20th Amendment
Article 170 of the Constitution is hereby amended by In terms of this new definition the
the repeal of the definition of “public officer” and the following are NO longer considered
substitution therefore of a new definition of a public Public Officers for in Article 170 of the
officer. Constitution;
32
Impact of Transitional Provisions
Clause 57 (3) of the 20th Amendment Members of these commissions will
cease to hold office prior to the end of
Every person holding office on the day immediately their term of office once new members
preceding the date of commencement of this Act, as are appointed by the Parliamentary
the Council.
Chairman or a member of –
(a) the Election Commission;
(b) the Public Service Commission;
(c) the National Police Commission;
(d) the Human Rights Commission of Sri
Lanka;
(e) the Commission to Investigate
Allegations of Bribery or
Corruption;
(f) the Finance Commission; and
(g) the Delimitation Commission,
shall, unless he earlier resigns, dies or is
removed from office continue to exercise, perform
and discharge the powers, duties and functions of
his office until such date on which the respective
Commissions are constituted in accordance
with Chapter VIIA of the Constitution.
33