AG makes submissions at Supreme Courts; says President's gazette dissolving Parliament not unconstitutional

Attorney General Jayantha Jayasuriya who made submissions at the Supreme Court  has stated that the gazette notification issued by the President “does not violate the constitution”.

Petitions filed against the dissolution of Parliament are currently being taken up amidst high security at the Supreme Court today (Nov 13). 

Attorney General Jayantha Jayasuriya who made his submission before court argued that Article 33 (2) C which stated that the President had the power to summon, prorogue and dissolve Parliament, is an unambiguous provision.

He further added that Article 33 must be read as operating in isolation of Article 70 (1).

AG Jayasuriya also argued that the President has been vested with plenary executive power. He further denied that his opinion is meant to favour the President although he admitted that he received instructions from President Sirisena.

Meanwhile, the three judge bench has decided to adjourn proceedings for 15 minutes.

Hearing of the 11 petitions commenced at 10 am this morning. The Attorney General and a petitioner were issued summons to appear before Court today.