Lawyers and Political Parties Move Against 22A

COLOMBO (News 1st); Several petitions were filed before the Supreme Court challenging the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, which was presented to Parliament earlier in the day as part of the Government's proposal to extend the retirement age of Superior Court judges.

A 14-day period for filing petitions against the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution and the proposed amendments to the Judicature Act commenced today following their presentation in Parliament.

Within hours of the Bill being tabled, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka filed a petition before the Supreme Court challenging the 22nd Amendment.

Among the other parties that filed petitions today were President's Counsel Maithri Gunaratne, who is also the Chairman of the Independent Lawyers' Association, the Sarva Jana Balaya, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, and former Minister Professor G.L. Peiris.

The Attorney General has been named as the respondent in the petitions.

The petitioners are seeking a determination from the Supreme Court that the proposed 22nd Amendment is inconsistent with the Constitution and that it can only be enacted if approved by a two-thirds majority in Parliament as well as through a national referendum.