Sri Lanka's Supreme Court must examine dozens of petitions against the 22nd Constitutional Amendment within three weeks, a bill that would raise judicial retirement ages but has drawn international criticism and domestic controversy over concerns about executive overreach.

The Supreme Court is tasked with reviewing multiple petitions filed against the 22nd Constitutional Amendment (22A) Bill and must deliver its determination to Parliament's Speaker within a three-week timeframe. The amendment, which proposes raising the retirement ages of serving judges, has become the subject of intense legal and political debate across the country.

Opponents of the bill have invoked the principle of natural justice—that no person should judge their own case—to argue for a national referendum instead. They contend that judges whose retirement ages would be affected should not adjudicate the matter. Meanwhile, the Opposition has called for all available Supreme Court judges to hear the petitions, noting that four vacancies remain unfilled despite the government's stated mission to retain experienced judges to address case backlogs.

The amendment has attracted significant international scrutiny rarely seen in Sri Lankan legislation. The United Nations, Commonwealth Lawyers' Association, International Association of Judges, and LAWASIA have issued formal criticisms. The Island newspaper notes that Zimbabwe faced international condemnation for similar judicial retirement age changes approximately five years ago. Domestic opposition includes legal professionals, religious leaders, and civil society organizations.

Critics question the government's prioritization of the amendment amid pressing economic challenges, including the need to rebuild foreign currency reserves to USD 14 billion within two years and address rising global oil prices. The credibility concerns extend beyond the judiciary itself, with allegations raised in Parliament regarding a judicial officer's birth certificate, underscoring tensions between institutions. The Island emphasizes that while executive and legislative credibility has declined significantly in recent decades, the judiciary remains the institution most trusted by the public.