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Divineguma Bill on Tuesday: Govt. to use 2/3rd majority
View(s):By Chandani Kirinde
The Divineguma Bill will be debated in Parliament on Tuesday with the Government set to use its two thirds majority to gain approval for two clauses which the Supreme Court has determined as inconsistent with the Constitution.
The Court ruled that Clauses 11 and 18 – which deal with the powers of the Divineguma community-based organisations and the functions of the Divineguma regional organisations – were inconsistent with Article 12 of the Constitution but could be approved with a special majority in the House.
However, except for these two Clauses, the Government has decided to amend eight other clauses as recommended by the Supreme Court. The amendments will be introduced when the Bill is taken up for debate.
The Government has also decided to amend a clause that allows money from the Government as well as donations, grants and contributions go directly to the Divineguma Development Fund. The amendment will enable the monies to go to the Consolidated Fund and then be sent through Parliament to the Divineguma Fund as recommended by the Court.
The clause which the Supreme Court said would need approval at a referendum if it is not amended will also be changed in keeping with the Court recommendation to enable the Cabinet of Ministers to approve the appointment of Zonal Heads of Department instead of the Minister in charge of the subject being given such powers.
The debate on the controversial Bill began on November 6 with Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa introducing it to the House. The debate was then adjourned for a later date. The UNP and the JVP both have said they will oppose the Bill.
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