The Supreme Court has determined that the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution does not require approval at a referendum and can be enacted with a special majority in Parliament, Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne announced in Parliament today (22).
Announcing the Supreme Court’s determination to the House, the Speaker said several provisions of the Bill could also be passed with a simple majority in Parliament.
The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill, which seeks to extend the retirement age of judges, was presented to Parliament on 18 August by Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara.
Following its presentation, the constitutionality of the Bill was challenged before the Supreme Court through 67 petitions.
The petitions were considered by a five-member Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justices Achala Wengappuli, Arjuna Obeyesekere, Sampath Abeykoon and Gihan Kulatunga.
Hearings concluded on 2 September, with the court stating that its determination would be communicated to the Speaker.
Meanwhile, the Committee on Parliamentary Business has decided to take up the 22nd Amendment Bill for debate on 24 and 25 September 2026.
Separately, the Speaker announced that the Supreme Court had determined that the provisions of the Judicature (Amendment) Bill are not inconsistent with the Constitution and may be passed with a simple majority in Parliament.
