Second Reading Debate on 22nd Amendment Underway in Parliament
COLOMBO, September 24, 2026 — The Second Reading debate on the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill commenced in Parliament today, with Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara opening the debate on behalf of the Government.
The debate is scheduled to continue today and tomorrow, following a decision by the Committee on Parliamentary Business. Parliament is expected to vote on the Bill at 7:00 p.m. tomorrow (September 25).
The proposed amendment was presented to Parliament by Minister Nanayakkara on August 18, with its principal provisions relating to the retirement ages of judges of Sri Lanka’s superior courts.
Under the Bill, the retirement age of Supreme Court judges would be increased from 65 to 67, while the retirement age of Court of Appeal judges would rise from 63 to 65. The legislation also proposes changes concerning the composition of the Court of Appeal.
Supreme Court Clears Constitutional Hurdle
Following the introduction of the Bill, several petitions both challenging and supporting its constitutionality were filed before the Supreme Court.
The petitions were considered by a five-member bench headed by Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, with the hearings concluding on September 2.
The Supreme Court subsequently determined that the proposed 22nd Amendment does not require approval at a referendum and can be enacted with a special majority in Parliament.
Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena communicated the Supreme Court’s determination to Parliament on September 22, clearing the way for the parliamentary debate.
Opposition Raises Objections
The proposed amendment has faced opposition from several political groups, with critics questioning the implications of extending the retirement age of superior court judges.
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is also holding a protest at Polduwa Junction in Battaramulla against the proposed constitutional amendment.
SJB General Secretary and Parliamentarian Ranjith Madduma Bandara said the party was protesting what it described as a move towards authoritarian rule and called on members of the public to join the demonstration.
The protest has meanwhile caused traffic congestion in areas surrounding Parliament and Polduwa Junction.
The proposed amendment has also attracted considerable legal scrutiny. The Bar Association of Sri Lanka and other groups have raised concerns over the potential implications of extending the retirement age of superior court judges, while supporters maintain that the proposed provisions are constitutionally permissible.
With the Supreme Court determination now communicated to Parliament, lawmakers are proceeding with the legislative process.
The Second Reading debate will continue today and tomorrow, with the vote on the Bill scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on September 25.
