Constitutional Council meets for the first time

A newspaper advertisement will be published calling for applications from interested and qualified persons for the appointment as members to a number of independent commissions.

This was decided when the Constitutional Council met for the first time today. Chairman of the Council, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana and members of the Council Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Sajith Premadasa, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, MP Sagara Kariyawasam, Dr. Prathap Ramanujam, Dr. (Mrs) Dilkushi Anula Wijesundere and Dr. (Mrs) Dinesha Samararatne were present at the meeting.

The Constitutional Council 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.

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

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

MP Kabir Hashim, had informed his inability to attend this meeting due to unavoidable circumstances.

Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake as well as the Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General Kushani Rohanadeera were also present.