CLA President Observes 22nd Amendment Hearings, Raises Concerns Over Procedure

Steven Thiru, President of the Commonwealth Lawyers’ Association (CLA), observed Supreme Court hearings on petitions challenging Sri Lanka's proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution. Thiru expressed significant concern over the hearing's conclusion, noting that petitioners' counsel were denied an opportunity for oral reply and directed to submit written responses instead. He also reportedly discussed with legal professionals concerns about why a larger bench was not appointed for the case, given its importance to judicial independence. Thiru had previously warned Sri Lanka about potential judicial crises if constitutional changes were made without broad public consultation.