Attorney-at-Law Ashoka Serasinghe emphasized that the 22nd Constitutional Amendment goes beyond a mere constitutional alteration, representing a fundamental reform aimed at driving systemic change within the judicial framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking at a press conference organized by Lawyers for National People’s Power (NPP) in Colombo on August 26, Attorney Serasinghe pointed out that previous governments pursued constitutional amendments driven by personal agendas, whereas the current administration seeks complete structural transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Highlighting the necessity of the proposed legislation, Serasinghe stated:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“In the past, there was growing public dissatisfaction regarding judicial delays and administrative shortcomings. What we need alongside constitutional amendments is a systemic reform. Courts today operate with far greater discipline and efficiency\u2014for instance, cases can no longer be postponed for personal reasons. The government’s goal is to sustain and complete this overhaul within the existing constitutional framework.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He further noted that opposition to these reforms stems from groups unsettled by the accelerated pace of court proceedings, particularly daily hearings at trial-at-bar High Courts delivering timely judgments. To ensure the successful completion of these reforms, he stressed the importance of retaining experienced and seasoned judges by extending their service by two years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Addressing historical precedents and political criticism, Serasinghe added:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Selective Concern Over Independence: He recalled that when a former Chief Justice was impeached and replaced by an outsider, or when four Supreme Court judges were sent home under the 1978 Constitution, no opposition factions raised concerns over judicial independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Public Mandate and Merit: Responding to claims that the amendment was omitted from the election manifesto, Serasinghe asserted that the NPP government holds a democratic mandate to serve the public interest constitutionally. He criticized opposition groups for focusing on personal mudslinging against the Chief Justice rather than debating the actual merits of the reform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elimination of Bribery and Delays: He reflected on past self-criticism regarding sluggish court administration, contrasting it with today’s environment where administrative functions operate strictly without room for bribery or corruption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Serasinghe concluded by reiterating that those opposing the 22nd Amendment merely wish to maintain a weak, sluggish judicial system, resorting to personal attacks to derail genuine reform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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