Oct 05, Colombo: Sri Lanka's main opposition United National Party (UNP) says the controversial Divi Neguma Bill cannot be passed in parliament without the approval of the Northern Provincial Council.

UNP parliamentarian Lakshman Kiriella said it would be unconstitutional to table the bill in parliament without the approval of the Northern Provincial Council.

He explained that although the government has claimed the Governor of the Province could sign on behalf of the Council, the Governor cannot do so since he is representative of the government.

He noted that the 13th Amendment has noted that legislation have to be passed by the provincial council.

According to Kiriella, the government should first hold election for the Northern provincial Council and present the bill before the Council for approval.

All other eight provincial councils in the country have approved the bill.