22nd Amendment Could Cause Incalculable Damage to Country: Prof. G.L. Peiris

18-Sep-2026

.

The unilateral enactment of the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution could create serious difficulties for investment entering the country and cause damage to Sri Lanka on a scale that cannot be assessed, Professor G.L. Peiris said.

He made these remarks while speaking at a press conference held by the Joint Opposition, led by Professor G.L. Peiris, at the political office of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo on September 16, 2026.

He further said:

“The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution is an amendment that everyone in this country, except the Government, has strongly criticised. Such a situation has never arisen in the past.

“This is not the first time that the Constitution has been amended. It has been amended 21 times. However, during none of those 21 amendments was such a widespread wave of opposition seen in the country against proceeding with the amendment.

“The Bar Association of Sri Lanka, religious leaders, domestic and international organisations, civil society organisations and all other sections have expressed opposition to the 22nd Amendment.

“At the same time, the LawAsia organisation has issued a strongly worded statement today stating that the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution is entirely inconsistent with the independence of the judiciary.”