Deadline Closes as 30 Petitions Filed Over 22nd Constitutional Amendment
COLOMBO (News 1st) – The deadline for filing petitions regarding the contentious 22nd Constitutional Amendment has now expired, with a remarkable total of 30 petitions submitted to the Supreme Court. This significant development highlights the intense public interest and the deep divisions surrounding the proposed changes to Sri Lanka’s constitution.
Opposition Outweighs Support
Among the petitions, a mere three have expressed support for the amendment, while a striking 27 oppose it. This overwhelming opposition underscores a significant backlash against the government’s proposed constitutional changes, igniting a fierce debate that could define the political landscape of Sri Lanka in the coming months.
Judicial Review on the Horizon
Having been published in the Gazette and presented to Parliament approximately two weeks ago, the 22nd Constitutional Amendment is now set for a judicial review. Following the conclusion of the petition period, the Chief Justice is expected to appoint a Supreme Court bench to scrutinize whether the amendment has been introduced in accordance with the Constitution. This judicial oversight is a critical step before the proposals can even be considered by parliament.
The Court’s Role
According to Sri Lanka’s constitutional framework, once challenges to an amendment are filed in the Supreme Court, the Court has three weeks to hear the case and render its decision on the constitutional validity of the proposed legislation. This systematic process aims to ensure that any changes to the Constitution align with the country’s legal standards.
The Supreme Court will not only evaluate the petitions in terms of their support and opposition but also assess if any of the amendment’s provisions conflict with existing constitutional mandates. Furthermore, it will determine whether additional approval mechanisms may be necessary for its enactment, ensuring an exhaustive review to uphold the integrity of the legal framework.
Next Steps
Once the review process wraps up, the Supreme Court’s ruling on the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment will be forwarded to the Speaker of Parliament. This verdict will play a crucial role in shaping how and whether this amendment will proceed through the legislative mechanism in Sri Lanka.
The implications of the Supreme Court’s decision will be closely monitored by both proponents and detractors, as the future of Sri Lanka’s constitutional landscape hangs in the balance.