SC determines Rehabilitation Bill inconsistent with Constitution

Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announced yesterday in Parliament that the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has determined that the Bureau of Rehabilitation Bill as a whole is inconsistent with Article 112 (1) of the Constitution. 

He said therefore, the Supreme Court has said the Bill may be enacted only by the special majority required by Article 84 (2) of the Constitution.

However, he said it has been determined that this inconsistency shall cease if:

(i) All references to “ex-combatants”, “violent extremist groups” and “any other group of persons” are deleted from the Bill; and 

(ii) The Bill is limited to the rehabilitation of drug-dependent persons and such other persons as may be identified by law

In its determination, the Supreme Court has however said that if appropriate amendments are made, the Bill can be passed. 

The Bureau of Rehabilitation Bill, presented to Parliament on 23 September 2022, had sought compulsory detention in centres of drug-dependent persons, ex-combatants, members of violent extremist groups and any other group of persons.