Cabinet nod to draft 22nd Amendment, Judicature Bill for gazette and Parliamentary process

Wednesday, 5 August 2026 07:39 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved the publication of the draft 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill and the draft Judicature (Amendment) Bill in the Government Gazette, paving the way for the proposed legislation to be presented to Parliament.

Announcing the decision at the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the proposed legislative reforms are intended to further strengthen the independence of the judiciary, while enhancing the efficiency of the justice system in addressing the large backlog of pending court cases.

Cabinet nod...

On 27 July 2026, Cabinet granted approval to prepare amendments to both the Constitution and the Judicature Act in line with those objectives.

Dr. Jayatissa said the Legal Draftsman’s Department subsequently prepared the draft 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill and the draft Judicature (Amendment) Bill. “The Attorney General has reviewed and cleared both draft laws with regard to their constitutionality,” he added.

The proposal to this effect was submitted by Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara.