Supreme Court determination on 22nd Amendment Bill to be announced by Speaker today

22-Sep-2026

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Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne is scheduled to announce to Parliament today (Sept 22), the Supreme Court's determination on the 22nd Amendment Bill to the Constitution and the Judiciary (Amendment) Bill.

Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara presented the 22nd Amendment Bill to the Constitution, which seeks to extend the terms of office of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges by two years, and the Judiciary (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to extend the terms of office of judges of the High Court, District Courts and Magistrates' Courts by two years, in Parliament on August 18.

Sixty-five petitions alleging violations of fundamental rights were filed before the Supreme Court under Article 121 of the Constitution, challenging the two Bills.

A five-member bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justices Achala Wengappuli, Arjuna Obeyesekere, Sampath Abeykoon and Gihan Kulatunga was appointed to consider the petitions.

The hearing of the petitions was conducted over two days, following which the Supreme Court's determination regarding the Bills was forwarded to the Speaker.

The Speaker's Office has confirmed that the Supreme Court's determination on the 22nd Amendment Bill and the Judiciary (Amendment) Bill has been received.

Accordingly, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne is scheduled to announce the Supreme Court's determination to Parliament today.

Meanwhile, the two-day debate on the 22nd Amendment Bill to the Constitution and the Judiciary (Amendment) Bill is scheduled to be held on Thursday (24) and Friday (25). The Bills are expected to be put to a vote thereafter.

Members of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya are scheduled to stage a protest near the Parliament complex on Thursday, opposing both Bills.