CC nominations: Speaker to seek AG's advice

Ranil WIJAYAPALA

KOTTE: Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara told Parliament yesterday that he would seek the advice of the Attorney General with regard to the controversial situation over the nominating members to the Constitutional Council.

Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara said President Mahinda Rajapaksa was very keen on the formation of the Constitutional Council to facilitate the appointing of the Independent Commission, and has requested him to take action in this regard.

He said though he is the Chairman of the Constitutional Council he has no powers to act with regard to nominating members to the Constitutional Council.

Speaker Lokubandara expressed these views when Chief Opposition Whip Joseph Michael Perera participating in the emergency debate, stressed the necessity to appoint an independent commissions.

Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara said all political parties have reached a consensus that the appointing of independent commissions under the 17th Amendment to the Constitution should be accelerated.

JVP Parliamentary Group Leader Wimal Weerawansa said the right to nominate the minority party member to the CC should be given to the JVP, since it is the third political force.

He said the JVP became part of the Opposition when Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga was the President, after informing the Parliament Secretary General.

JHU Parliamentary Group Leader Ven. Athuraliye Ratana Thera also argued that the right to nominate the minority parties should be entertained by the JHU.

If any other party takes that opportunity the JHU will take legal action against them, he said.

TNA MP Suresh Premachandra argued that the TNA has the right to nominate the minority party member to the CC and the problem will be solved, once one of their nominees Rohan Edrisinghe or Jayadeva Uyangoda is appointed to the CC.