The Supreme Court has determined that the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution does not require a referendum and can be passed with a special majority in Parliament, the Speaker announced.

The Bill, which seeks to extend the retirement age of judges, was presented to Parliament on 18 August by Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara.

A total of 67 petitions challenging the constitutionality of the Bill were heard by a five-member Supreme Court bench. The hearing concluded on 2 September.

The parliamentary debate on the Bill is scheduled for 24 and 25 September 2026.