Opposition MPs staged a protest in Parliament after the government tabled the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill, with leaders characterizing the measures as threats to democratic principles.
Tension erupted in Parliament on Tuesday when Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara introduced the draft 22nd Amendment to the Constitution alongside the Judicature (Amendment) Bill. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa led lawmakers in demonstrating their dissent against the proposed legislation, according to reporting by NewsWire.
The introduction of the bills prompted immediate commotion within the House. Opposition MPs raised multiple procedural objections and points of order in response to the tabling, signaling their intent to challenge the measures through parliamentary processes. According to opposition statements, the lawmakers view the proposed amendments as fundamentally threatening to democratic institutions and governance structures in the country.
The specifics of how the amendments would alter constitutional provisions or modify judicial procedures have not been detailed in available reports. The parliamentary response indicates the bills are likely to face sustained opposition during their legislative consideration, though the government's majority position in Parliament will determine their ultimate progress through the legislative process.
