Parliament to Vote on 22nd Amendment at 7 p.m. on September 25 

Parliament is scheduled to vote on the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution at 7.00 p.m. on September 25, following a two-day debate on September 24 and 25, Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing, Jayatissa said the vote would take place immediately after the conclusion of the debate.

The announcement came after the Supreme Court’s determination on the proposed amendment was presented to Parliament today. The Court determined that the 22nd Amendment does not require approval at a referendum, but identified specific amendments to its provisions.

The Minister said the Government had followed the constitutional procedures required to proceed with the proposed amendment.

He noted that parties had been given an opportunity to file petitions and make submissions before the Supreme Court. A five-member bench subsequently considered whether the Bill required approval by the public in addition to a two-thirds parliamentary majority.

Jayatissa said individuals and organisations remain free to hold protests or public demonstrations expressing opposition to the proposed amendment. However, he said such demonstrations cannot themselves trigger a referendum, as the constitutional determination on whether a referendum is required rests with the Supreme Court.

He also noted that the Bar Association of Sri Lanka had appeared before the Supreme Court and made submissions concerning the Bill.

Parliament had previously scheduled the Second Reading debate on the 22nd Amendment for September 24 and 25. The Parliamentary Business Committee had allocated parliamentary time until 7.00 p.m. on both days for the debate.

Following the Supreme Court’s determination, Parliament will now proceed with the scheduled debate, with the decisive vote set for 7.00 p.m. on September 25, according to the Minister.

Jayatissa added that those who disagree with the Supreme Court’s determination remain entitled to express their views in Parliament and organise demonstrations.