Supreme Court Determines Theravadi Kathikavath Bill Contravenes Constitution: Speaker

February 10, 2016

The Supreme Court determined that the 'Theravadi Kathikavath Bill' contravenes the Constitution and that it requires a two thirds majority in Parliament and approval through a referendum to be enacted.

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya informed of the determination to Parliament.

The Supreme Court considered two Special Determination Petitions been filed by Shasanika Secretary of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya Biyagama Suseela Thera and Attorney-at-Law Nuwan Ballantudawa. Through their petitions, the petitioners argue that the Fundamental Rights of the Bhikkus are being violated by the bill.

The court finished hearing arguments on January 29 and informed its decision to the Speaker.