22nd Amendment Chief Justice concerns grow as BASL says the current Chief Justice would be the first Supreme Court judge to benefit from the proposed change.
The 22nd Amendment Chief Justice debate has intensified after the Bar Association of Sri Lanka said the current Chief Justice would be the first Supreme Court judge to benefit if the proposed amendment becomes law.
In a statement, the Bar Association said the judiciary, like every institution exercising public power, must remain subject to lawful investigation and accountability.
The statement, titled “Independence of the Judiciary, Accountable Investigation of the Judiciary, and the Justice Delivery System and Expression,” also addressed public criticism of judges.
The Association said court judgments, judicial conduct and the administration of justice may be subjected to fair and responsible criticism when such criticism rests on reasonable grounds.
It added that credible allegations involving the Chief Justice or any other judge should be examined through appropriate constitutional and parliamentary procedures.
Such inquiries, the Association stressed, must respect fairness and due process.
The BASL also observed that if the proposed bill becomes law, the first Supreme Court judge to benefit from the 22nd Amendment would be the current Chief Justice.
His tenure is scheduled to end on December 1, 2026.
The Association noted widespread public discussion alleging that the amendment is being expedited specifically to extend his tenure.
That remains an allegation and has not been established as fact.
The BASL further pointed out that various claims concerning the current Chief Justice and the judiciary have recently emerged in Parliament and across social media.
However, it warned that allegations against judges, lawyers and other individuals must be handled responsibly.
The Association urged all branches of Government, political actors and the media to address genuine concerns fairly and through procedures established by the Constitution and the law.
The 22nd Amendment Chief Justice controversy therefore remains tied to two equally important principles: judicial independence and judicial accountability.
The Bar Association’s position is that neither should be sacrificed.
