Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara told Parliament today (24) that the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution is not intended to control or suppress anyone, but to accelerate the hearing of cases and ensure justice is delivered to the public.
Opening the parliamentary debate on the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill, Nanayakkara said the proposed legislation forms part of a broader judicial reform programme initiated by the Government in 2024.
“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,” the Minister said.
He said the two Bills should not be viewed as isolated measures, but as part of a comprehensive reform process undertaken in line with commitments made to the public and the Government’s mandate.
Referring to the Government’s policy statement, “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life,” Nanayakkara said it identified several key principles for the country’s judicial and legal systems.
These include equal and fair protection under the law, transparency and efficiency, judicial 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 from the Opposition, the Justice Minister said Opposition parties were free to express their views, while the Government would continue with its judicial reform programme.
“The Opposition can say whatever they want. We will continue this journey forward for the public,” Nanayakkara said.
The debate began after the Minister presented the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill for their second reading in Parliament this morning.
