Govt. must refrain from proceeding with enactment of 22nd Amendment in its present form
BASL statement on proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) wishes to draw the attention of the Government and the People of the Republic to the grave concerns arising from the Bill of the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, published in the Gazette on 7th August 2026. The primary […]
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has expressed grave concerns over the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, which aims to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal justices. The BASL contends that this amendment directly interferes with the independence of the judiciary, a matter enshrined in the Constitution's Article 107 and Article 3.
If implemented, it could erode public trust and damage the credibility of the judiciary, which is a fundamental pillar of democratic governance. Despite the Government's claim that the amendment would speed up legal proceedings, the BASL maintains that it is an entrenched provision that cannot be enacted without a referendum. The association calls for a referendum, asserting that the ultimate decision should rest with the people, as the ultimate custodians of sovereignty and judicial power.
The BASL also criticizes the lack of consultation with stakeholders, arguing that it undermines public confidence and sets a dangerous precedent. The association stresses that any constitutional change affecting judicial tenure must be approached with care, transparency, and consultation to avoid any perception of partiality or bias.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
