The test of power is how it is used
by Jehan Perera The tabling of the 22nd Amendment has brought the significance of constitutional change once again to the centre of public attention. The controversy surrounding the proposal has become larger than the question of two additional years for judges. It has raised a more fundamental question about the direction in which the new […]
The tabling of the 22nd Amendment has brought constitutional change to the forefront of public attention, transcending the issue of extending judges' retirement age. The National People's Party (NPP) manifesto from 2024 promised a new Constitution while adhering to the current framework, with pledges to hold Provincial Council elections and uphold constitutional guarantees. The government must now consider the broader implications of its majority beyond mere majority control.
The UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Margaret Satterthwaite, has formally expressed concerns about the amendment, warning that extending retirement age may undermine judicial independence and public confidence in the judiciary, particularly for serving judges. This intervention by an international expert carries significant weight, requiring the government to clarify the necessity of the amendment and its potential impact on sitting judges.
Sri Lankans have endured decades of corruption, impunity, political violence, and abuse of state power. The government's determination to clean up the country resonates with the public, but international observers scrutinize the rules being altered, the affected institutions, and the created precedents. A recent "Mood of the Nation" poll shows a decline in government approval, down from 65% in February 2026 to 50% in July, indicating public skepticism regarding the economy's improvement.
While domestic understanding of the government's efforts to prosecute criminality and corruption is evident, international experts focus on the institutions and laws involved. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Union (EU) have expressed positive sentiments towards Sri Lanka's economic recovery and anti-corruption initiatives but caution about the slow and uneven implementation of these reforms.
The government should not dismiss international criticism as mere interference but engage transparently with it. A two-thirds majority may grant the government authority, but it should prioritize persuading domestic and international critics to rebuild Sri Lanka's democratic institutions. The government must strike a balance between addressing entrenched corruption and criminality and safeguarding the balance between state power and citizens' rights.
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.
