Supreme Court to decide whether 22nd Amendment requires referendum: Justice Minister

31-Aug-2026

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Politicians cannot determine whether a referendum is required to pass the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution. It is the Supreme Court that must make that determination. If the Court rules that a referendum is required, the Government is prepared to proceed with one, Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara has stated.

He made these remarks while speaking to the media following an event held in Colombo on August 30.

He further said:

The Opposition is taking a position of opposing every decision and action of the Government. We cannot govern according to their approach of opposing everything.

The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution has been introduced in the interests of the people and as part of the restructuring of the judicial system. Therefore, the amendment will not cause any harm to the independence or security of the judiciary.

The Opposition is opposed to the Chief Justice out of personal hostility and is therefore expressing its opposition. We cannot accept such objections. Once the 22nd Amendment is passed, the people will understand the true position of many Opposition politicians.

The Supreme Court must determine whether a referendum is required to pass the 22nd Amendment Bill. Therefore, the Government cannot make any decision regarding a referendum at this stage.

If the Supreme Court, together with the required parliamentary majority, determines that the matter should be put to a referendum, the Government is prepared to proceed with one. We cannot act contrary to the decision of the Court, he said.