Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara stated that the 22nd Constitutional Amendment Draft Bill, which includes provisions to extend the retirement age of judges in Sri Lanka, will be presented to Parliament on August 18.

Speaking to Ada Derana, the Justice Minister also confirmed that the Judicature (Amendment) Bill will be presented to Parliament on the same day.

The Government’s proposal to extend the retirement age of judges has faced opposition from the outset, including from the Chief Prelates of the three Nikayas, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), opposition political parties and several international organisations.

Despite the objections, the Government proceeded to gazette the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill concerning the extension of judges’ retirement age.

Meanwhile, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has maintained that the proposed amendment should be proceeded with, a position he also expressed during a recent meeting with the BASL President and other representatives.

Against this backdrop, Minister Nanayakkara confirmed that the 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill will be presented to Parliament on August 18, along with the Judicature (Amendment) Bill.

Under the Constitution, once a Bill is presented to Parliament, a period of 14 days is available for it to be challenged before the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court is required to hear any such petition and communicate its decision to Parliament within a period of three to 21 days.