Sri Lanka Parliament to Receive Supreme Court Determination on 22nd Amendment

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — September 22, 2026: Sri Lanka’s Parliament is set to receive the Supreme Court’s confidential determination today on the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, marking a key stage in the government’s effort to advance the legislation.

The determination was received by Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne on Monday and is expected to be formally communicated to Parliament today. The Supreme Court considered more than 65 petitions challenging the proposed amendment and related legislation. The petitions were heard by a five-member bench headed by the Chief Justice on September 1 and 2.

The proposed amendment is scheduled to face a two-day parliamentary debate on September 24 and 25. Parliament has allocated time from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on both days for the second-reading debate on the 22nd Amendment Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill.

The legislation has faced opposition from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). The party has organised a protest near Parliament at Polduwa Junction on September 24, with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa expected to lead the demonstration. The SJB has said it opposes the proposed amendment and has raised concerns about its implications for democratic institutions and the judiciary. These are the party’s stated objections to the legislation.

The Supreme Court determination is expected to clarify the constitutional requirements for proceeding with the Bill, including whether any provisions would require a special parliamentary majority or a referendum.

The developments this week will determine the next stage of the proposed constitutional changes, as the government prepares for the parliamentary debate and opposition parties mobilise against the legislation.