News
Several new bills in the pipeline for the new year
A Bill to amend the Penal Code to criminalise the incitement of feelings of religious, racial or communal disharmony or hostility has been sent to the Attorney General’s Department.
This Bill is among several new pieces of legislation that are in the pipeline for the new year, according to the Justice Ministry’s progress report presented in Parliament this week.
Outlawing of hate speech was among one of the recommendations made by the Lessons learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) and the Bill has been drafted in line with these recommendations.
A draft bill to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure Act to give effect to certain recommendations contained in the National Human Rights Action Plan too has been finalised while amendments are also to be made to the Human Rights Act of Sri Lanka.
In addition to these the Government will also amend the Excise Ordinance that would empower Police also to act under this Ordinance.
Another new Bill that has Cabinet approval is the Children (Judicial Protection) Bill that seeks to provide for contemporary realities relating to Child Protection and to repeal the antiquated Children and Young Persons Ordinance.
The Bill seeks to increase the collaboration between Court, Police, Prison and Probation with the best interest of the child at heart.
The Bill, following Cabinet approval, has been sent for the Attorney General’s observations.
A Contempt of Court Bill is also under consideration, the report said.