Restrictions imposed on Sports Minister’s powers

by Saman Indrajith

Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament on Saturday that the Cabinet had overstepped its powers and violated the statutory law by deciding that the Sports Minister has to obtain its prior approval for appointing interim committees to administer cricket.

Premadasa said that as per the provisions of the Sections 32 and 33 of Sports Law No 25 of 1973, the Minister of Sports had been vested with powers to appoint interim committees to administer sports. “He also has the powers to appoint competent authorities for the same purpose. We have come to know that the Cabinet has decided that the Sports Minister will have to exercise his powers subject to approval by the Cabinet. This decision is in breach of the statutory laws. The Cabinet cannot place itself above the law.”

Premadasa called for an explanation from the government.Leader of the House Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said the Cabinet had only decided to appoint a sub-committee.

Chief Opposition Whip Kandy District SJB MP Lakshman Kiriella said the Cabinet of Ministers could not make decisions in violation of the statutory laws. “The Cabinet has to act within the confines of the existing laws. It cannot break the law. There are many rulings given by the Supreme Court against the Cabinets acting against the law of the land,” Kiriella said.