Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara told Parliament today (24) that the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution is not intended to exercise control or suppress anyone, but is aimed at speeding up the hearing of cases and delivering justice to the public.
Opening the parliamentary debate on the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill, the Minister said the proposed changes form part of a broader reform of the country’s judicial process.
“We are not bringing this amendment to be authoritative or to control or suppress. This is to quickly hear cases and provide justice to the people,” Nanayakkara said.
He said the measures were not being introduced in isolation but as part of a comprehensive reform process which the government began in 2024.
The Minister said the reforms were also in line with a pledge made to the public and the mandate received by the government.
Referring to the Government’s policy statement, A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life, Nanayakkara said it had set out several key principles for the functioning of the country’s judicial and legal systems.
He identified these principles as fair and equal protection of the law, transparency and efficiency, independence and public confidence.
“It is based on these principles that we promised the people that we would operate the judicial system. Today is a day when one part of that promise is being fulfilled, these two Bills,” he said.
Responding to criticism of the proposed changes, Nanayakkara said the Opposition was free to express its views but maintained that the government would continue with its reform agenda.
“The Opposition can say whatever they want. We will continue this journey forward for the public,” he said.
The parliamentary debate commenced after Nanayakkara presented the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill for their second reading this morning. (Newswire)
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