Parliament on Friday passed the Twenty-Second Amendment (22A) to the Constitution amid significant opposition protests and debate. The bill, which primarily raises the retirement age of senior judges and increases the number of judges in key courts, was approved with 158 votes in favor and 63 against. The Judicature (Amendment) Bill, aimed at increasing the number of High Court judges and raising their retirement age, was also passed with a similar majority. Both bills were signed into law by Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne later that evening.
The 22A amendment raises the retirement age for Supreme Court judges from 65 to 67 years and for Court of Appeal judges from 63 to 65. It also increases the number of Court of Appeal judges from 19 to 24. The Judicature amendment similarly raises retirement ages for High Court judges from 61 to 63 years and for District and Magistrate judges from 60 to 62 years, while increasing the number of High Court judges from 110 to 120.
The National People’s Power (NPP) government, which holds a two-thirds majority in Parliament, defended the amendments as necessary steps to improve judicial efficiency and reduce case backlogs. Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara highlighted that approximately 1.1 million cases are pending nationwide, attributing the situation to decades of inadequate judicial planning. The government argued that extending judges’ service periods and increasing their numbers would retain experienced personnel and enable the establishment of additional courts, including Court of Appeal sittings outside Colombo, to improve access to justice.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the government’s commitment to the rule of law and equal justice, stating that the reforms are part of a broader effort to enhance accessibility and fairness in the judicial system over time. She rejected opposition claims that a single amendment could instantly resolve systemic issues.
However, opposition parties, led by Samagi Jana Balawageya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa, strongly condemned the amendments. Premadasa described 22A as anti-democratic and a threat to judicial independence, alleging it would enable executive interference in the judiciary. SJB MP Ajith P. Perera criticized the government for abandoning its campaign promise to introduce a new Constitution instead of incremental amendments. He argued that raising retirement ages for senior judges would not address the large volume of cases in lower courts, where the majority of backlogs exist.
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) MP Shanakiwan Rasamanickam expressed concerns that the amendments would allow the government to influence the composition of the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court by appointing more judges favorable to the executive. He stated that ITAK would have supported these changes if presented within the framework of a new Constitution but opposed their ad-hoc introduction.
Social and political commentators noted the polarized reactions, with government officials characterizing the passage of 22A as a victory that strengthens the rule of law and judicial capacity, while opposition groups maintained that it undermines democratic checks and balances. Some critics called for greater transparency regarding the government’s intentions and more comprehensive constitutional reforms rather than piecemeal changes.
Separately, the government continues to negotiate with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on debt restructuring and economic reforms. Finance Minister confirmed agreements are pending regarding debt repayment, trade protection, and public sector investment, with IMF approval expected in the coming months. Bilateral negotiations with India and other creditors, including China and members of the Paris Club, remain underway to address Sri Lanka’s critical debt situation. The government reported a foreign reserve level above $6 billion as of September 29, projecting steady reserves to support essential imports.
Overall, the NPP government views 22A as part of a broader effort to achieve systemic reforms in Sri Lanka’s political, legal, and economic landscapes, aiming to enhance governmental capacity and national development despite opposition concerns regarding its democratic implications.