SJB challenges 22nd Amendment in Sri Lankan Supreme Court

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has filed a petition with the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the 22nd Amendment. The legal challenge, filed under case number SC/SD/31/2026, names the Attorney General as the respondent.

The proposed amendment seeks to increase the retirement age for Supreme Court judges from 65 to 67 and for Court of Appeal judges from 63 to 65. SJB General Secretary and MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara, acting as the petitioner, argues that altering the tenure of serving judges threatens judicial independence, the separation of powers, and the sovereignty of the people.

The petition requests a determination on whether the extension of retirement ages is inconsistent with existing constitutional provisions. The SJB contends that such changes should require a special parliamentary majority and approval via a national referendum to protect the country’s democratic structure.