News

CJ first SC judge to benefit from 22A, if enacted: BASL

Published

4 weeks ago

2026/08/28

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has opposed the proposed “Twenty-Second Amendment to the Constitution”, saying it raises serious concerns over judicial independence and the rights and interests of the public.

In a statement signed by BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya and Secretary Nalin De Silva, the association said it had challenged the constitutionality of the proposed amendment before the Supreme Court.

The BASL noted that the Chief Justice would be the first Supreme Court judge to benefit from the proposed amendment if it becomes law. It also referred to widespread speculation that the amendment was being expedited to facilitate an extension of the incumbent Chief Justice’s tenure, which is due to end on December 1, 2026.

Full text of the statement:

“The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has taken a principled position opposing the Bill titled the “Twenty-Second Amendment to the Constitution” on the basis that it raises serious concerns regarding the independence of the Judiciary and the rights and interests of the people. Accordingly, the BASL has challenged the constitutionality of the proposed amendment before the Supreme Court.

“It is observed that it will be the Honourable Chief Justice who will be the first Judge of the Supreme Court who will benefit from the 22nd Amendment, if this Bill is enacted into Law.

There is widespread belief that this amendment is being rushed to facilitate the extension of the tenure of the Honourable Chief Justice which would otherwise complete on 1st December 2026. In this backdrop, in the recent past, we have witnessed allegations being made in Parliamentary Proceedings as well as on Social Media concerning the Judiciary including the incumbent Chief Justice.

“During this period, the BASL has also been subjected to unfounded attacks on social media and other platforms.

“The Judiciary, like every other institution exercising public power, must remain subject to legitimate scrutiny and accountability. Judgments, judicial conduct and the administration of justice may properly be subjected to fair, informed and responsible criticism. Where credible concerns or allegations arise regarding any member of the Judiciary, including the Chief Justice, they should be examined objectively and addressed through the appropriate constitutional and parliamentary processes which are in place, with due regard to fairness and due process.

“At the same time, everyone must exercise responsibility when making allegations concerning individual judges, lawyers and others. Personal attacks based upon unsubstantiated allegations can undermine public confidence in the administration of justice and affect the independence and integrity of the judicial process and the system of justice

“Judicial independence is not intended to shield any individual from legitimate scrutiny or accountability. It is a safeguard for the people, ensuring that disputes are determined impartially and that individual rights, the Rule of Law and the constitutional order are protected.

“The BASL therefore calls upon all organs of the State, all parties concerned and the media to respect the role of the Judiciary and the system of administration of justice, while ensuring that any genuine concerns are addressed fairly, responsibly and through the procedures established by the Constitution and the law.”

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Business

“ViYASA” National Business Facilitation Centre (NBFC) to be opened tomorrow (22)

Published

1 hour ago

2026/09/21

Priyan

The National Business Facilitation Centre (NBFC), which is being established under the Presidential Secretariat with the aim of removing administrative and regulatory barriers that exist among government institutions in relation to investment and industry and expediting these processes, will be opened tomorrow (22).

The centre is being established on the President’s initiative with the aim of bringing about a positive transformation in the industrial sector. The centre will provide solutions to issues that arise in dealing with the government machinery when starting and operating a business, while also coordinating with the relevant government institutions to provide the necessary facilities.

The “ViYASA” National Business Facilitation Centre (NBFC) has been established at Building C-80, Hector Kobbekaduwa Mawatha, Colombo 07, and is headed by Senior Additional( Secretary to the President, Seevali Arukgoda.

The centre will be opened under the patronage of Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Anil Jayantha Fernando and Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, with the participation of Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

The website https://nbfc.presidentsoffice.gov.lk is also scheduled to be officially launched on the occasion.

President’s Media Division)

Latest News

Court of Appeal Judge M. Sri Mevan Anthony Edirimannasuriya Corea appointed as Acting President of the Court of Appeal

Published

1 hour ago

2026/09/21

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Court of Appeal Judge Mayadunna Sri Mevan Anthony Edirimannasuriya Corea as the Acting President of the Court of Appeal.

The appointment has been made as President’s Counsel Nalin Rohantha Abeysuriya, who currently serves as President of the Court of Appeal, will be overseas until the 24th.

Accordingly Judge Mayadunna Corea was sworn in as Acting President of the Court of Appeal before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential secretariat this morning (21).

Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake was also present at the occasion.

(President’s Media Division)

Latest News

President instructs expediting further measures concerning Sivarasa Anojan, sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia

Published

1 hour ago

2026/09/21

Priyan

A discussion to review the further measures that could be taken regarding Sivarasa Anojan, a young Sri Lankan national who has been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia, was held at the Presidential Secretariat this afternoon (21), under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The discussion focused on the measures taken to date concerning Sivaraasa Anojan and the further diplomatic and legal steps that could be pursued. Attention was also given to expediting the necessary further measures that could be taken to secure his release.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake instructed officials to continue the necessary diplomatic engagement with the relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia and to maintain close and continuous involvement in all further measures concerning the case.

Reaffirming the Government’s continued attention to the safety and welfare of Sri Lankans living and working overseas, the President also stressed the need for the relevant ministries and institutions to work in close coordination and pursue all possible measures that could be taken in connection with the case.

Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih, Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs Muneer Mulaffer, Governor of the Western Province Hanif Yusoof, Secretary – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Aruni Ranaraja, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism were also present at the discussion.

(President’s Media Division)