Bill to Revoke Presidential Immunities Presented in Parliament

09-Aug-2025

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A bill aimed at repealing the 1986 Presidential Privileges Act (Act No. 4 of 1986) was presented in Parliament by Minister of Justice and National Unity Harsha Nanayakkara for its first reading.

When Parliament convened on August 7, MP Dayasiri Jayasekara from Kurunegala District of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) noted that the bill had been included in the parliamentary agenda. 

According to Section 52(5) of the Parliamentary Standing Orders and Act No. 1 of 1978, a bill must be gazetted and allowed a period of seven days before being presented for its first reading.

This bill was gazetted on July 31 this year. Since the date of gazette publication is excluded from the seven-day count, the earliest date for submission would be August 8, 2025. MP Jayasekara urged that the bill 
not be presented in violation of parliamentary procedures and instead be submitted during the next session.

Responding, the Minister stated that the bill was not presented without reviewing Section 78(1). He affirmed that the bill was included in the agenda only after completing the required seven-day period and then submitted it for the first reading.