July 23, Colombo (LNW): The passing of the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution in Parliament appears unlikely, as it is poised to be denied the required two-thirds majority for the ruling party, political sources disclosed.
The bill has been published in the gazette and, following a seven-day period, can be added to the Order Paper for its First Reading upon a Minister’s request, as per Article 78 of the Constitution and Standing Order No. 50(1).
The Second Reading is scheduled fourteen days after the First Reading, but if a petition is filed with the Supreme Court under Article 121, the bill will only proceed after the Court’s decision, legal experts pointed out.
The amendment aims to correct an inconsistency in Article 83(b) of the Constitution by changing the presidential term reference from six years to five years, aligning with the current term length.
Legal experts assert that this bill requires not only a two-thirds parliamentary majority but also approval through a referendum.
Opposition parties are mobilising to block the bill. Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) MP M.A. Sumanthiran has called for opposition members to walk out if the bill is put to a vote, arguing that it unnecessarily confuses the electorate and could complicate the presidential election process.
He also stressed the need for a referendum if the bill passes in Parliament and expressed concern over potential scheduling conflicts with the presidential election.
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara stated that the party would discuss its stance on the bill later.
Meanwhile, Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Rathnayake assured that the bill would not affect the presidential elections, confirming that the elections will proceed as scheduled and that a gazette notification calling for the elections will be issued this week.
