Politics · Sri Lanka Bureau
Speaker certifies Bill to repeal Chief of Defence Staff position
Parliament's Speaker has certified legislation to abolish the Chief of Defence Staff role, clearing the final procedural hurdle before the Bill becomes law.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne has formally certified the Chief of Defence Staff (Repeal) Bill, enabling the legislation to proceed to its final stages in Parliament. The certification marks a significant administrative step in the legislative process, confirming that the Bill has met all constitutional and procedural requirements for passage.
The move to repeal the Chief of Defence Staff position represents a substantial restructuring of Sri Lanka's military command apparatus. The role, which served as the apex coordinating body for the country's armed forces, has been at the centre of institutional debates regarding defence administration and civil-military relations.
With the Speaker's certification now complete, the Bill is positioned to advance toward formal parliamentary approval. The repeal will necessitate corresponding adjustments to the operational frameworks governing Sri Lanka's Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as potential reassignment of responsibilities previously held under the Chief of Defence Staff office.
The legislative action reflects broader policy considerations regarding government restructuring and resource allocation within the defence sector. Officials have indicated that the repeal aligns with strategic reviews of the country's security architecture undertaken in recent months.