SC determines ‘Surcharge Tax’ Bill consistent with Constitution

Deputy speaker Ranjith Siyambalapitiya yesterday informed the House that the Supreme Court had determined that the Bill, entitled ‘Surcharge Tax’ could be passed with a simple majority as it was consistent with the Conssitution.

Siyambalapitiya read out the following statement on the Speaker’s announcements: “I wish to announce to Parliament that I have received the Determination of the Supreme Court in respect of the Bill, entitled ‘Surcharge Tax’, which was challenged in the Supreme Court in terms of Article 121(1) of the Constitution.

On an overall consideration of the provisions of the Bill, the Supreme Court had arrived at the conclusion that neither the Bill nor any of its provisions is inconsistent with Article 12 or Article 13 of the Constitution.

The Supreme Court further states that in the circumstances, the Bill, entitled ‘Surcharge Tax’, can be validly passed by a simple majority of the Legislature.

I order that the Determination of the Supreme Court be printed in the Official Report of today’s proceedings of the House.