The Committee on Parliamentary Business chaired by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana on Friday has decided to take up the debate on the 20th Amendment to the Constitution in Parliament on October 21 and 22 from 10.00am to 7.30 pm.
The Supreme Court determination on the 20th Amendment will be announced by the Speaker on October 20. The decision of the Supreme Court on the 20th Amendment has been conveyed to the President and the Speaker.
Parliament sources said that some Opposition lawmakers asked for a four-day debate on the 20th Amendment Bill, but finally it was decided to hold the debate for two days. The round of questions for oral answers will not be held during these two days.
A vote on the 20th Amendment Bill will be taken at the end of the debate with amendments to be introduced at the third reading of the Bill. The third reading of the Bill will be taken on October 22 at 7.30 pm.
The Government needs a two-thirds majority in Parliament to get the Bill passed.
The Draft Bill of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution was tabled in Parliament by Justice Minister Ali Sabri on September 22.