Petition period on Sri Lanka’s 22nd Amendment ends

The period for filing petitions challenging Sri Lanka’s proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution ends on Monday.

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara presented the Bill to Parliament on August 18.

Following its presentation, citizens were given two weeks to challenge the constitutionality of the Bill before the Supreme Court.

After considering the petitions, the Supreme Court is required to communicate its determination to the Speaker within three weeks.

Several major Opposition parties, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, other legal associations and civil society organisations have filed petitions opposing the Bill.

Several petitions have also been submitted in support of the proposed amendment, including one by ruling party MP Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi and other parties.

The Supreme Court is expected to begin considering the petitions in the coming days.