A government lawmaker has filed an intervenient petition backing the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, while accusing opposition MPs of making unsubstantiated allegations against Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena in Parliament.
Deputy Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sunil Watagala filed an intervenient petition on Tuesday in response to nearly two dozen legal challenges against the 22nd Amendment. Speaking outside the Supreme Court, Watagala claimed that opposition parliamentarians had directed unfounded accusations at the Chief Justice in violation of parliamentary standing orders, asserting that such conduct undermined judicial independence rather than protecting it.
Watagala defended the constitutional amendment as consistent with the country's legal framework and aligned with the mandate received by the National People's Power in 2024. He argued that public criticism of the Chief Justice posed a greater threat to the judiciary than the amendment itself. The government MP called on the Bar Association of Sri Lanka to issue a formal statement condemning attacks on the Chief Justice, and urged the Attorney General's office to clarify its position on the matter.
The 22nd Amendment has become the subject of significant legal contestation, with the filing period for petitions running through early September. The amendment has drawn criticism from various quarters, with opponents arguing it diminishes judicial independence and public confidence in the courts. Watagala indicated the government plans to file additional supporting petitions and reiterated the NPP's confidence that the amendment can be implemented without requiring a public referendum.
Chief Justice Surasena assumed office in July 2025 following the retirement of her predecessor, Murdhu Fernando, who held the position from December 2024.
