Sri Lanka’s parliament on Friday passed a constitutional amendment that will limit the president’s authority in a move to restore political stability amid the nation’s worst economic crisis in decades.
The bill was passed with a two-thirds majority in parliament, with 179 lawmakers voting in favor, one voting against it, and 45 others absent. The government said it seeks to preserve judicial and public sector independence.
The amendment transfers some presidential powers, including the appointment of officials, to a constitutional council comprising lawmakers and respected non-politicians.
The council’s recommendation is required for presidential appointments of senior judges, attorney generals, central bank governors, police, election commissioners, and bribery and corruption investigators….