⚖️ Supreme Court Reserves Determination on 22nd Amendment

• Hearing Conclusion & Verdict: A five-judge bench led by Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena concluded oral hearings on petitions challenging the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution. The Court's ruling will be confidentially delivered to the Speaker of Parliament to announce whether a public referendum or special majority is required. • Core Proposals & Scope: The Bill seeks to raise judicial retirement ages (Supreme Court judges to 67 years; Court of Appeal judges to 65 years) and expand judicial capacity to help resolve Sri Lanka's severe backlog of over 1.1 million court cases. • Key Legal Arguments: • State Defense: The Solicitor General argued the Amendment reduces Executive powers, improves efficiency, and does not violate judicial independence or Articles 3 and 4. • Proponents: Counsel supporting the Bill cited historical precedent, increased life expectancy, and international practices across the US, UK, and Commonwealth nations, arguing a referendum is unnecessary. • Procedure Concerns: Commonwealth Lawyers Association President Steven Thiru raised procedural concerns after petitioners were denied oral replies and required to submit written responses by 3 p.m. today.