Ten petitions filed challenging 22nd Amendment to Constitution

20-Aug-2026

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Around 10 special petitions seeking a determination from the Supreme Court have been filed challenging the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution presented to Parliament as part of the Government's proposal to extend the retirement age of judges.

The petitions were filed after the 14-day period for challenging the proposed amendments began the day before August 18, following the presentation of the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution and the proposed amendments to the Judicature Act in Parliament.

Within hours of the proposed Bill being presented to Parliament, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka filed a petition before the Supreme Court challenging the 22nd Amendment. The petition was filed jointly by the Association's Treasurer D.M.S. Pasindu Silva and its Assistant Secretary.

In addition, President's Counsel and Chairman of the Free Lawyers' Association Maithri Gunaratne, Sarvajana Balaya, Samagi Jana Balawegaya, former Minister Professor G.L. Peiris and retired Air Force officer Shantha Jayathilaka were among those who filed petitions by yesterday evening.

Subsequently, former Parliamentarian Udaya Gammanpila, Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Duminda Nagamuwa and Milinda Rajapaksha also filed special petitions yesterday (19).

In these petitions, the Attorney General has been named as the respondent in terms of Article 134(1) of the Constitution.

The petitioners are seeking a determination from the Supreme Court that the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment is inconsistent with the Constitution and can be enacted only with a two-thirds majority in Parliament and approval by the people at a referendum.