Citizen Consultation Committee announces recommendations

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 30 December 1998, 13:51 GMT]
The 18 members of the Citizen Consultation Committee, appointed by the United National Party (UNP), have recommended that a Constitutional Council advise the President on key issues in the future.

The Citizen Consultation Committee was appointed at the all party conference organised by the UNP on September 14, to study the possibilities of free and fair elections and the depoliticisation of key institutions in the country.

The committee has made public its recommendations.

Its main recommendation is the formation of a Constitutional Council consisting of; the Speaker of the Parliament, Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, a Chief Minister (nominated by other Chief Ministers of the Provincial Councils), 5 MPs (to be selected from among the Parliamentarians by the committee), 7 members who will be retired judges of the Supreme court or the appeal court and distinguished persons from public service in the government and private sectors.

These seven members to the Constitutional Council will be appointed by the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader according to the recommendations.

The Citizen Consultation Committee has also recommended the appointment of an Independent Election Commission, National Police Service Commission, National Public Service Commission and Judiciary appointments Council.

The Independent Election Commission consisting 3 members will be headed by the Chief Commissioner of Elections with two other Commissioners of Elections.

The National Police Service Commission will consist 5 members according to the recommendations.

The National Public Service Commission and Judiciary appointments Council will have 5 and 6 members respectively. Members to the commission and council will be appointed by the President with the advice of the Constitutional Council.