22A, Judicature Bill to be presented to House next Tuesday
By Norman Palihawadane The government will present the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill, which includes provisions to extend the retirement age of judges, to Parliament, on August 18, Minister of Justice and National Integration, Harshana Nanayakkara, said. The Minister mentioned that the Judicature (Amendment) Bill will also be presented to Parliament on the same day. […]
The government intends to introduce the 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill, which encompasses measures to raise the retirement age of judges, to the House of Representatives on August 18, announced Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara. The Judicature (Amendment) Bill is also slated for presentation on the same day.
The proposed constitutional amendment, specifically the part concerning increasing the retirement age of judges, has encountered significant opposition since its inception. This includes dissent from the Chief Prelates of the three Nikayas, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), Opposition political factions, and several global entities.
Despite these criticisms, the Government has moved forward by publishing the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Gazette. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has expressed support for the amendment, reaffirming the Government's stance during a recent meeting with BASL President and other stakeholders. The official presentation of the Bills in Parliament on August 18 is anticipated to set the stage for the subsequent stages of the legislative procedure, including any legal challenge in the Supreme Court.
According to the Constitution, a Bill introduced to Parliament can be contested before the Supreme Court within 14 days of its introduction. The Supreme Court is mandated to review any such application and inform Parliament of its decision within a timeframe of three to 21 days. Consequently, the proposed amendment to the retirement age of judges has become a pivotal constitutional and legal matter, amidst ongoing discourse on judicial autonomy and the Government’s proposed alterations to Sri Lanka's judicial system.
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.
