Rehabilitation Bill passed with majority

The Second Reading of the Bureau of Rehabilitation Bill was passed by the House yesterday (18) by a majority of 17 votes. 23 votes were cast in favour of the Bill while six were cast against. The seven votes against the Bill included Samagi Jana Balawegaya and  National People’s Power MPs.The Supreme Court gave a determination stating that the Bureau of Rehabilitation Bill is inconsistent with the Constitution, in October 2022.

The relevant bill can be enacted only by a special majority in parliament and a referendum. The inconsistency would cease if the Clauses in question are amended accordingly, the SC also stated.

The Bureau of Rehabilitation Bill was submitted to Parliament on September 23, 2022.