National People’s Power (NPP) MP Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi has submitted a petition to the Supreme Court backing the government’s proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, asserting that the reform bill aligns with constitutional mandates.
In his filing, the lawmaker contends that the proposed legislation respects public sovereignty and safeguards judicial independence. Consequently, he has requested the apex court to rule that the amendment can be passed using standard parliamentary voting procedures without calling for a national referendum.
The intervention follows a wave of legal challenges against the legislation, with at least 21 petitions submitted to the Supreme Court questioning its constitutional validity.
Government officials reaffirmed their commitment to pushing the reform agenda forward, stating they will strictly adhere to the Supreme Court’s determination regarding any referendum requirement. The court is slated to complete its review of all petition submissions before Parliament deliberates on the proposed bill.
