Trouble beginning in earnest

On Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026, the Supreme Court is set to announce its decision on the 22nd Constitutional Amendment (22A) Bill. The determination, expected to be communicated to Parliament soon, is anticipated to elicit no surprise among legal experts and the public. The hearing of numerous petitions against 22A has garnered global attention, with jurists closely observing the proceedings.

Opposition leaders plan to stage a protest near Parliament, shifting the focus from legal to political grounds. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has intensified efforts to garner support for his administration and the 22A amendment. Allegations and accusations have intensified between the government and the Opposition, as President Dissanayake confidently asserts the passage of 22A through a two-thirds majority in Parliament, despite potential SC determination.

The President's recent remarks draw comparisons to previous predictions made about legal cases, leading to criticism. Dissanayake also dismissed claims of a referendum to abolish elections, stating that it would create divisions among voters while elections could sow discord in the Opposition. The government maintains that 22A can be enacted without a referendum, relying solely on a parliamentary majority.

This stance has drawn criticism from international organizations, including the International Association of Judges, LAWASIA, and the Commonwealth Lawyers' Association. Despite controversies surrounding previous amendments, governments must learn from history to avoid similar pitfalls.