President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has defended the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment, stating it aims to accelerate judicial proceedings and improve access to justice for Sri Lankans.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed concerns about the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment on Wednesday, characterizing the reform as essential to tackling delays within Sri Lanka's court system. Speaking at a National Milad-un-Nabi observation, the President acknowledged criticism surrounding the amendment but maintained that its sole purpose is to strengthen the delivery of justice and public confidence in the legal system.
The President highlighted systemic problems within the judiciary, noting that cases filed years ago remain pending without resolution. He pointed to examples such as cases from 2006 awaiting judgment two decades later and matters from 2017 progressing without witness testimony, arguing that prolonged delays erode public trust in the legal framework. According to the President, the constitutional reform is designed to create a more efficient judicial process capable of resolving cases in a timely manner.
Dissanayake stated that his government has carefully evaluated all aspects of the amendment before proceeding. He assured citizens that policy decisions would not be implemented if they could cause public harm, emphasizing that the administration remains committed to the people's interests. The President further indicated that while the government will not reverse decisions made in the public benefit simply due to opposition, it remains willing to correct any weaknesses that emerge from implementation.
