The Sri Lankan government has indicated its willingness to conduct a public referendum on the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, should the Supreme Court determine one is required alongside parliamentary approval.
Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa announced that the government stands ready to pursue either legislative or referendum-based approval for the 22nd Amendment, depending on guidance from the Supreme Court. The court is expected to deliver its determination on the constitutional requirements by late September or October.
Jayatissa emphasized that the government maintains flexibility in its approach to the amendment process. According to the minister, if parliamentary approval requiring a two-thirds majority proves sufficient, the government will proceed through that channel. Conversely, should the court rule that a public referendum is necessary in addition to parliamentary endorsement, the government has signaled its preparedness to conduct such a vote.
The minister framed the proposed amendment as a reform measure undertaken in the public interest, stating that the government remains committed to advancing the reform agenda on behalf of the citizenry. The government's stated openness to either pathway suggests an effort to demonstrate democratic compliance with whatever constitutional process the court determines to be appropriate for this significant legislative change.
