22nd Amendment to Constitution to be passed in September or October: Minister Nalinda

18-Aug-2026

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The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution will be passed in September or October in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court, Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

He made these remarks while speaking to the media after attending an event in Colombo.

He further said:

“Necessary measures have been taken to reform the judiciary. Increasing the retirement age of judges is one such measure. Accordingly, the 22nd Amendment Bill to the Constitution and the Courts (Amendment) Bill have been published in the Gazette.

“Both Bills will be presented to Parliament for their first reading on August 18. Those who make false allegations regarding the two Bills can approach the Supreme Court and challenge them.

“The 22nd Amendment Bill will be passed in September or October in accordance with the directions issued by the court. It is the Supreme Court that will determine whether a two-thirds majority, a simple majority or a majority together with a referendum is required to pass the Bill. Politicians cannot make that determination.

“It is surprising that Opposition members are concerned about the country’s judiciary and democracy. In reality, they are not fighting for the people. They are engaged in this struggle in an attempt to prevent themselves from going to prison in the future.

“The Opposition has created a false impression among the public regarding the 22nd Amendment. They claim that it poses a threat to the judiciary, but they do not explain what that threat is. We are well aware that if the independence of the judiciary is affected, the consequences will ultimately be faced by the Government itself. Previous governments acted in such a manner. Therefore, we will never question the independence of the judiciary.

“The Government is acting to fulfil the promises made to the people. Necessary measures have been taken to expedite the hearing of pending cases.”