A protest against the Sri Lankan government’s proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill was held today, September 24, at the Polduwa Junction in Battaramulla, Colombo, led by the main opposition party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, SJB members of Parliament, party representatives and supporters took part in the protest. Traffic congestion also occurred in areas near Parliament because of the demonstration.

The proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment includes provisions to raise the retirement age of Supreme Court judges from 65 to 67 and that of Court of Appeal judges from 63 to 65. Changes concerning the retirement age of lower court judges have been proposed under a separate amendment to judicial legislation.

Opposition parties have objected, arguing that these changes could affect judicial independence. In particular, they argue that changes to judges’ terms of office could upset the balance between political power and the judiciary. This is the opposition’s position; the government rejects the allegation.

The government, by contrast, explains that the measures are part of broader judicial reforms intended to reduce the number of long-pending cases, improve the efficiency of the courts, establish new courts and courts of appeal, and provide the judiciary with additional staff.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court, having heard petitions challenging the constitutionality of the 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill, has determined that the amendment does not require a referendum. On September 22, the Speaker announced in Parliament that the bill could be passed by a special parliamentary majority with the required changes.

The second-reading debate on the 22nd Constitutional Amendment is scheduled for September 24 and 25 in Parliament. The proposal to change the retirement age of judges has consequently become a major topic of debate in Sri Lankan political and judicial circles.