The Sri Lanka Freedom Party Women's Wing has challenged the proposed 22nd Amendment before the Supreme Court, arguing that certain provisions could compromise judicial independence and that major constitutional changes require public approval through referendum.
The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Women's Wing has initiated legal proceedings to question the constitutionality of the proposed 22nd Amendment, filing a petition with the Supreme Court through Attorney-at-Law Anuradha Lakmini Gurugé. The petition raises concerns that specific provisions within the amendment could directly affect sitting judges and potentially undermine the independence of the judiciary, the separation of powers, and existing constitutional checks and balances.
The petitioners argue that constitutional amendments should fundamentally reinforce democratic principles and protect judicial autonomy rather than weaken them. They contend that the amendment was introduced without sufficient public debate or transparent discussion, failing to meet standards expected for changes of constitutional significance.
Central to the petition is the claim that the proposed amendment threatens the sovereignty of the people as guaranteed under Articles 3 and 4c of the Constitution. Based on this reasoning, the SLFP Women's Wing is requesting that the Supreme Court mandate a referendum in addition to parliamentary approval for any constitutional changes affecting judicial independence. The petition specifically seeks a judicial determination on whether the 22nd Amendment can be enacted without obtaining direct approval from voters through a referendum.
