BASL opposes 22A, urges responsible scrutiny of judiciary

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has opposed the proposed “Twenty-Second Amendment to the Constitution”, saying it raises serious concerns over judicial independence and the rights and interests of the public.

In a statement on Thursday (27) signed by BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya and Secretary Nalin De Silva, the association said it had challenged the constitutionality of the proposed amendment before the Supreme Court.

The BASL noted that the Chief Justice would be the first Supreme Court judge to benefit from the proposed amendment if it becomes law. It also referred to widespread speculation that the amendment was being expedited to facilitate an extension of the incumbent Chief Justice’s tenure, which is due to end on December 1, 2026.

Full text of the statement: The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has taken a principled position opposing the Bill titled the “Twenty-Second Amendment to the Constitution” on the basis that it raises serious concerns regarding the independence of the Judiciary and the rights and interests of the people. Accordingly, the BASL has challenged the constitutionality of the proposed amendment before the Supreme Court.

It is observed that it will be the Honourable Chief Justice who will be the first Judge of the Supreme Court who will benefit from the 22nd Amendment, if this Bill is enacted into Law. There is widespread belief that this amendment is being rushed to facilitate the extension of the tenure of the Honourable Chief Justice which would otherwise complete on 1st December 2026. In this backdrop, in the recent past, we have witnessed allegations being made in Parliamentary Proceedings as well as on Social Media concerning the Judiciary including the incumbent Chief Justice.

During this period, the BASL has also been subjected to unfounded attacks on social media and other platforms.

The Judiciary, like every other institution exercising public power, must remain subject to legitimate scrutiny and accountability. Judgments, judicial conduct and the administration of justice may properly be subjected to fair, informed and responsible criticism. Where credible concerns or allegations arise regarding any member of the Judiciary, including the Chief Justice, they should be examined objectively and addressed through the appropriate constitutional and parliamentary processes which are in place, with due regard to fairness and due process.

At the same time, everyone must exercise responsibility when making allegations concerning individual judges, lawyers and others. Personal attacks based upon unsubstantiated allegations can undermine public confidence in the administration of justice and affect the independence and integrity of the judicial process and the system of justice

Judicial independence is not intended to shield any individual from legitimate scrutiny or accountability. It is a safeguard for the people, ensuring that disputes are determined impartially and that individual rights, the Rule of Law and the constitutional order are protected.

The BASL therefore calls upon all organs of the State, all parties concerned and the media to respect the role of the Judiciary and the system of administration of justice, while ensuring that any genuine concerns are addressed fairly, responsibly and through the procedures established by the Constitution and the law.