Sri Lanka Supreme Court mandates referendum for Anti-Corruption Bill provision

Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has determined that a contentious provision within the Anti-Corruption Bill cannot proceed without approval from voters in a national referendum, according to a ruling issued by the court.

The specific clause in question was deemed to have constitutional implications requiring the broader consent of the Sri Lankan electorate, rather than parliamentary approval alone. This determination reflects the court's interpretation of constitutional safeguards governing fundamental alterations to the governance framework.

The ruling presents a procedural obstacle for lawmakers seeking to advance the anti-corruption legislation, which has been positioned as part of broader efforts to strengthen institutional accountability and transparency in the country. The government and Parliament will now need to determine whether to pursue a referendum or modify the bill's provisions to avoid the requirement.

The decision highlights ongoing legal and political discussions surrounding the balance between executive legislative authority and constitutional protections in Sri Lanka. How policymakers respond to the Supreme Court's ruling could shape the trajectory of anti-corruption reforms in the coming months.