Parliament votes on 22A today amid Opposition protest

 Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa addressing the protest rally against 22A at the Polduwa entrance to Parliament yesterday – Pic by Shehan Gunasekara

• PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya says Govt.’s 158 MPs are united, dismissing reports of divisions; Amendment needs 150 votes to pass
• SJB protest blocks Polduwa entrance to Parliament; Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa alleges Amendment undermines rule of law

Parliament will vote on the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution today, with the Government insisting its 158 MPs remain united and the Opposition taking its campaign against the Bill to the streets.

The two-day Second Reading debate on the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill began yesterday and concludes today. As a constitutional amendment, the Bill requires a two-thirds majority of the whole Parliament, or 150 of its 225 members.

The Speaker informed Parliament on 22 September that the Supreme Court had determined the Bill’s provisions do not require approval at a referendum. The Court also directed specific amendments to the Bill.

Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, opening the debate, said the Amendment was intended to speed up the hearing of cases rather than to exert control.

“We are not bringing this Amendment to be authoritative or to control or suppress. This is to quickly hear cases and provide justice to the people,” Nanayakkara said.

He said the two Bills form part of a comprehensive judicial reform process the Government began in 2024, in line with its mandate. He also told Parliament that judges would have the option of retiring early on full pensions, despite the new retirement age.

“The Opposition can say whatever they want. We will continue this journey forward for the public,” he said.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya dismissed reports of divisions within the National People’s Power (NPP) parliamentary group as false.

“We do not have personal agendas. We have a common objective. Everyone will see the unity of all 158 members tomorrow evening,” Dr. Amarasuriya said.

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) staged a protest yesterday at the Polduwa Junction in Battaramulla, completely blocking the entrance to Parliament from about 9:30 a.m. and causing severe traffic congestion. A large number of protesters joined despite heavy rain.

Addressing the protesters, SJB Leader and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa alleged that the Amendment was an attempt to undermine the rule of law and said the Government would soon be defeated. He also challenged the Government to hold the Provincial Council Elections.

SJB General Secretary MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara said the Amendment could pave the way for authoritarian rule.

In Parliament, SJB Kalutara District MP Ajith P. Perera said the Amendment was aimed at retaining judges of the Government’s choosing, and alleged that the President and the Chief Justice were acting against established convention.

Sarvajana Balaya Leader MP Dilith Jayaweera, in a letter to all MPs yesterday, urged them to vote according to their conscience against what he called a ‘short-sighted’ amendment. 

He argued that the Supreme Court had ruled only on the Bill’s constitutionality and the majority required, not on whether it would benefit the country. He added that MPs facing practical difficulties in voting against the Bill could abstain, which he said would also carry significance in the historical record.