The 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill has been included in the Parliament Order Paper, ahead of its scheduled presentation to Parliament tomorrow (18).
The Bill is expected to be presented by Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Judicature (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 1978, including provisions relating to the retirement age of judges.
The government’s move to extend the retirement age of judges has faced opposition from the Chief Prelates of the three Buddhist Chapters, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, opposition political parties and several international organisations.
The government gazetted the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill on August 7, despite the objections.
Under the Constitution, a Bill presented to Parliament can be challenged before the Supreme Court within 14 days.
The Supreme Court is required to communicate its determination to Parliament within three to 21 days after considering such a petition.
