Sri Lanka passes 22nd Amendment raising judges' retirement age despite opposition protests

Sri Lanka adopted the 22nd Amendment to its Constitution on September 25, 2026, raising the retirement age for Supreme Court judges from 65 to 67 and for Court of Appeal judges from 63 to 65. The change passed with a two‑thirds majority, receiving 158 votes in favour and 63 against after a two‑day debate in parliament. Government minister Bimal Ratnayake said the amendment is intended to speed up justice and not to extend parliamentary or presidential terms, stressing that the move is not meant to create a government stronghold. The opposition, led by Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), argued the amendment threatens judicial independence and democracy, accusing the government of using the change to consolidate power. SJB members staged a protest in parliament wearing black, and supporters gathered outside the building on September 24. The Bar Association of Sri Lanka and other opposition parties also opposed the bill, warning that it could undermine the courts. Critics pointed to an estimated backlog of 1.1 million cases as a reason for reform, but said extending judges’ tenure does not address the underlying delays. Opposition lawyers filed petitions in the Supreme Court, claiming the amendment breaches Article 3 of the Constitution, which protects the sovereignty of the people, and therefore should be approved by a nationwide referendum in addition to the parliamentary vote. The government rejected the call for a referendum, insisting the parliamentary majority is sufficient.