The Second Reading debate on the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill commenced in Parliament a short while ago (24), with Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara opening the debate on behalf of the government.

The debate is scheduled to continue today and tomorrow (25), following a decision by the Committee on Parliamentary Business.

The proposed 22nd Amendment was presented to parliament by Minister Harshana Nanayakkara on August 18. The Bill primarily proposes changes relating to the retirement age of judges of the superior courts.

Under the proposed amendment, the retirement age of Supreme Court judges would be increased from 65 to 67, while the retirement age of Court of Appeal judges would be increased from 63 to 65. The Bill also contains provisions relating to the composition of the Court of Appeal. 

Following the presentation of the Bill, a significant number of petitions challenging and supporting its constitutionality were filed before the Supreme Court. The petitions were heard by a five-member bench headed by Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, with the hearing concluding on September 2.

The Supreme Court subsequently determined that the proposed 22nd Amendment does not require approval at a referendum and can be passed with a special majority in Parliament. The Speaker communicated the Court's determination to Parliament on September 22.

The government has proceeded with the parliamentary debate following the Supreme Court determination.

Meanwhile, opposition parties have raised objections to the proposed amendment. The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) also currently staging a protest at the Polduwa Junction in Battaramulla. SJB General Secretary and Parliamentarian Ranjith Madduma Bandara said the party is protesting against what it describes as a move towards authoritarian rule and called on the public to participate.

The protest has also resulted in traffic congestion in areas surrounding Parliament and Polduwa Junction.

The proposed amendment has been the subject of considerable legal and political scrutiny since it was introduced. The Bar Association of Sri Lanka and other groups have raised concerns about the potential implications of extending the retirement age of superior court judges, while supporters of the Bill have argued that the proposed provisions are constitutionally permissible. 

Parliament is now considering the Bill through the legislative process, with the Second Reading debate taking place today and also tomorrow. 

The vote on the Bill is scheduled to take place at 7:00 p.m. tomorrow.