MP Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi files petition supporting 22nd Amendment

27-Aug-2026

.

National People’s Power MP Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi has filed a petition before the Supreme Court in support of the 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill proposed by the Government.

According to the petition, none of the provisions of the proposed amendment would adversely affect the sovereignty of the people or the independence of the judiciary. 

The petition further states that a special approval from the people through a referendum would not be required to pass the Bill and that it could be enacted by following the ordinary parliamentary procedure stipulated in the Constitution.

The MP has accordingly requested the Supreme Court to make a determination to that effect.

The petition has been filed against the backdrop of 21 petitions already being submitted challenging the constitutionality of the proposed amendment. 

Meanwhile, the Government has stated that it is prepared to proceed with the legislative process relating to the Bill and would fully abide by any decision or order issued by the court regarding whether a referendum is required.