Hearing on the bill to revoke the rights of retired presidents begins

The hearing of petitions filed against the bill submitted to Parliament by the government to revoke the rights of retired presidents began at the Supreme Court this morning.

The petition has been filed requesting a ruling that the provisions of the draft bill violate the Constitution and that if it is to be passed, it must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote in Parliament and approved by a referendum.

The petition hearing will be held before a three-member Supreme Court bench consisting of Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, Achala Vengappuli and Sampath Abeykoon.