File photo: Constitutional Council in session.
A fresh debate has sparked within the Sri Lankan Government over amending the Constitution to change the composition of the Constitutional Council (CC), rather than pursuing a complete overhaul of the Constitution.
The conversation follows a series of high-profile rejections by the CC—including former Acting Court of Appeal President Mohamed Laffar’s nomination to the Supreme Court and a proposed appointment for Auditor General.
In May, President Dissanayaka nominated H.T.P. Chandana, a Director at Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO), as Auditor General. The CC declined to approve his appointment, prompting the temporary installation of the acting Deputy Auditor General for six months. Civil society groups and opposition parties voiced strong opposition to the appointment of an outsider to the pivotal role of Auditor General.
A Legislative Shortcut?
Sources within the Government point to rising frustrations over not being able to get its appointments approved, reportedly attributed to the current CC structure. AKD government wants to change the composition of the Constitution Council in way it can control it.
A Government Spokesperson has confirmed that amending the Constitution to streamline the CC aligns with the National People’s Power (NPP) manifesto and the broader public demand for more efficient governance.
Parliament Push and Legal Consultation
With a commanding majority in Parliament, the Government may fast-track these amendments to abolish the independence of the Constitutional Council. Legal consultations are already underway, with constitutional law experts advising on the scope and implications of the proposed changes.
If the Government proceeds with its proposed changes, it could fundamentally alter the checks and balances that underpin the Constitutional Council’s original mandate. Critics caution that this move might pave the way for a more centralized—and potentially authoritarian—Presidency.
@SLB