Supreme Court Concludes Hearings on Anti-Corruption Bill, Determination Forthcoming

The Supreme Court has concluded its hearings on 15 petitions challenging the constitutionality of the government's proposed Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill. Filed by former Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris and other parties, the petitions argued that certain provisions violate fundamental rights and contended the Bill requires approval via a referendum. A three-judge bench, comprising Justices Shiran Gunaratne, Mahinda Samayawardhena, and Sampath Wijeratne, heard the case over two days. The court announced that its confidential determination on the Bill's constitutionality will be communicated to the Speaker of Parliament and the President.