🗳️ Parliament Votes on 22nd Amendment Amid Opposition Protests

Parliament will vote today on the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill following a two-day Second Reading debate. The constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds majority (150 out of 225 MPs) to pass. • Government Stance & Judicial Reforms: Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya confirmed the unity of all 158 NPP MPs to pass the Bill. Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara stated the amendment aims to expedite judicial proceedings and forms part of the judicial reform process initiated in 2024. The Supreme Court confirmed the Bill does not require a public referendum, subject to specific amendments. • Opposition Opposition & Protests: The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, staged a major protest at Polduwa Junction, blocking access to Parliament. SJB leaders allege the amendment risks undermining the rule of law and setting a path toward authoritarianism, while Sarvajana Balaya MP Dilith Jayaweera urged MPs to vote against or abstain from the Bill.