Supreme Court Adjourns Hearing on 22nd Amendment
The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has temporarily adjourned the hearing of petitions challenging the controversial 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, agreeing to a 15-minute recess. This decision comes after requests for the petitions to be considered by a full bench of the court were made by several prominent legal representatives.
Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena led the five-judge bench that conducted today’s hearing. President’s Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran, representing one of the petitioners, highlighted the necessity for thorough examination by the entire bench, underscoring the significant implications of the proposed amendment.
Arguments for a Full Bench Consideration
In addition to Sumanthiran, other leading legal minds such as President’s Counsel Saliya Pieris, Ali Sabry, and Geoffrey Alagaratnam echoed the demand for a comprehensive deliberation, which they argue is pivotal for maintaining judicial integrity during this sensitive constitutional challenge.
Solicitor General Viraj Dayaratne countered that the decision regarding the composition of the bench rests solely with the Chief Justice, as outlined in Article 132(3) of the Constitution. He emphasized that while the court values the concerns of the petitioners, it is within the purview of the Chief Justice to determine how many judges will hear any particular case.
Court’s Decision and Next Steps
After considering these submissions, the court opted for a short adjournment to deliberate its position. This move indicates the delicate balance the judiciary is attempting to maintain amidst rising public interest and concern regarding the implications of the 22nd Amendment.
The 22nd Amendment has sparked significant debate regarding its potential impact on governance and the judiciary in Sri Lanka. As the court prepares to reconvene, observers await its decision with heightened anticipation, reflecting the broader political climate surrounding constitutional reforms in the country.
As the legal proceedings unfold, stakeholders from various sectors continue to express their interest and opinions, further intensifying discussions about the future of governance in Sri Lanka.