🏛️ Sri Lanka Parliament Passes 22nd Amendment to Extend Judicial Tenure

Parliament has passed the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution (22A) alongside the companion Judicature (Amendment) Bill to address judicial shortages and reform the court system. • Voting Breakdown: - 22A passed with 158 votes in favour and 62 against (out of 220 MPs present), clearing the required two-thirds special majority. - Judicature (Amendment) Bill passed with 158 votes in favour and 61 against (out of 219 MPs present). • Key Provisions & Judicial Retirement Ages: - Supreme Court: Retirement age raised from 65 to 67. Future Chief Justices must step down at 67 or after 6 years in office, whichever comes first. - Court of Appeal: Retirement age🏛️ Parliament Passes 22nd Amendment to Extend Judicial Tenure Parliament has passed the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution (22A) alongside the Judicature (Amendment) Bill with a two-thirds special majority (158 votes in favour, 62 against). Key details of the approved legislative changes: • Supreme Court: Retirement age increased from 65 to 67. Future Chief Justices must retire at 67 or after six years in office. • Court of Appeal: Retirement age raised from 63 to 65, with an increase in the total number of seated judges. • High Court & Lower Judiciary: High Court retirement age increased from 61 to 63, with the judge cap raised from 110 to 120. All other judges and magistrates will now retire at 62. • Objectives: Aimed at strengthening the judicial system, addressing officer shortages, and retaining expertise within public administration and legal infrastructure. • Legal Ruling: The Supreme Court confirmed the Bill required a special majority without a referendum, ruling that a uniform, non-discriminatory tenure extension does not compromise judicial independence.