Jan 21, Colombo: President Ranil Wickramasinghe according to the powers assigned to him, has appointed three members representing the civil societies for the Constitutional Council.

The names of these three have been forwarded to the President after Parliament’s approval.

President Wickremesinghe has appointed Dr. Prathap Ramanujam, Dr. (Mrs) Dilkushi Anula Wijesundere and Dr. (Mrs) Weligama Vidana Arachchige Dinesha Samararatne as members of the Constitutional Council for a period of three years.

The Speaker, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition are appointed to the Constitutional Council ex officio.

An MP appointed by the President, a MP from the political party representing the Prime Minister, a MP representing a small political party, a MP representing the Leader of the Opposition and three civil society activists are also officially included in the Constitutional Council.

Appointments to a number of positions including Chief Justice, Supreme Court Judges, Court of Appeal President and Judges, Governor of the Central Bank, Auditor General, and Secretary General of the Parliament are subject to the approval of the Constitutional Council.

The Constitutional Council was appointed under the 21st Amendment to the Constitution with the aim of making the judiciary and public service independent.