Sri Lanka, April 16 -- The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) yesterday filed two Special Determination petitions challenging the constitutionality of the bill titled "Colombo Port City Economic Commission".

BASL President Saliya Pieris PC and Secretary Rajeev Amarasuriya filed two separate petitions seeking a declaration that the Bill in whole or in part requires the approval by people at a referendum and requires a special majority under the provisions of Article 84 (2) of the Constitution.

The petitioners stated that they institute these applications in their capacity as the President and Secretary of the BASL, under the direction and authorisation of the Executive Committee of the BASL at a Special Meeting held on April 12, 2021. ...