Sarvajana Balaya files petition challenging 22nd Amendment

Sarvajana Balaya today (18) filed a petition before the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution.

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) had earlier filed petitions before the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the proposed amendment.

The 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill was presented to Parliament today (18) by Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara, together with the Judicature (Amendment) Bill.

The government gazetted the proposed 22nd Amendment on August 7, despite objections raised by several parties.

Under parliamentary procedure, a Bill may be presented for its First Reading one week after its Gazette notification. A further one-week period is provided for petitions to be filed before the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the proposed legislation.

The Supreme Court is required to communicate its determination to the Speaker within three to 21 days after considering such petitions.