•  Nearly 30 petitions filed for and against Bill

The deadline for filing petitions before the Supreme Court (SC) on the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution expires today (31), with nearly 30 petitions having already been filed both in support of and against the Bill.

Justice and National Integration Minister, attorney Harshana Nanayakkara presented the 22nd Amendment Bill to Parliament on 18 August. 

Political parties representing the Opposition have filed petitions challenging the Bill, along with the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), several other lawyers' associations and civil society organisations.

Several parties have also filed petitions in support of the Bill, including Government Parliamentarian Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi.

Meanwhile, all parties that have filed petitions against the 22nd Amendment have decided to submit a special motion to the SC today. Former MP, Professor G.L. Peiris disclosed this at a convention of the Joint Opposition held in Galle. “The SC alone should not decide on this issue because the proposed amendment would directly benefit SC judges. We seek to have the matter referred to the people. The sovereignty of this country lies with the people. Therefore, hold a referendum. Ask the people whether the 22nd Amendment is needed or not. We will submit the related motion to the SC on Monday.”