The 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill has been included in the Parliament Order Paper ahead of its scheduled presentation to Parliament today (18).

The Bill is expected to be presented by Justice Minister, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara.

The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Judicature (Amendment) Act, No. 2 of 1978, including provisions relating to the retirement age of judges.

The Government’s move to extend the retirement age of judges has faced opposition from the Chief Prelates of the three Buddhist sects, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, Opposition political parties and several international organisations.

The Government gazetted the proposed Bill on 7 August despite the objections.

Under the Constitution, a Bill presented to Parliament can be challenged before the Supreme Court within 14 days. The Court is required to communicate its determination to Parliament within three to 21 days after considering such a petition.