Sri Lanka passes 22nd Amendment

26-Sep-2026

.

Sri Lanka on September 25 adopted the controversial 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, which raises the retirement age of judges, despite strong protests from the opposition. The amendment was passed with a two-thirds majority after a two-day debate in Parliament.

The change increases the retirement age of Supreme Court judges from 65 to 67 years and that of Court of Appeal judges from 63 to 65. The move has triggered criticism from opposition parties and the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, who have argued for months that it would undermine judicial independence.

The amendment was approved with 158 members voting in favour and 63 against. Speaking for the government, senior minister Bimal Ratnayake said the amendment was only aimed at reforming the judiciary and ensuring the swift delivery of justice. He said, "This is not an amendment to extend the life of parliament or to extend the terms of presidents as happened before." Ratnayake added, "We do not want this to keep a stronghold of government as falsely accused by the opposition."