⚖️ Legal Hurdles Mount for Sri Lanka's 22nd Amendment

The [Supreme Court](https://dailynews.lk/2026/08/21/local/1034898/basl-asks-sajith-to-postpone-mps-briefing/) is currently reviewing seven petitions challenging the constitutionality of the proposed 22nd Amendment. Simultaneously, political friction has indefinitely stalled a planned [Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL)](https://www.newswire.lk/2026/08/20/basl-wants-mps-briefing-postponed-after-govt-raises-objections/) briefing for parliamentarians. • Court Challenges: Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne confirmed four new petitions, bringing the total to seven against the amendment. The legislation specifically seeks to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court judges from 65 to 67 and Court of Appeal judges from 63 to 65. • Briefing Postponed: Citing a clear lack of bipartisan consensus and pushback from the Government, the [BASL](https://www.themorning.lk/articles/JnghoAHZXJh6fmauTWLd) requested Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa to postpone their educational session for MPs. • Political Pushback: Government and NPP MPs, including Lakmali Hemachandra, heavily criticized the initiative. They argued it bypassed standard parliamentary procedure and questioned why any lobby group should be granted an exclusive session with all MPs during a sitting day. • Future Outlook: The Government has signaled it is prepared to take the proposed amendment to a referendum, depending entirely on the [Supreme Court's](https://island.lk/speaker-informs-house-three-petitions-filed-in-sc-challenging-22a/) final determination expected by late September or October.