Sri Lanka is facing a fresh political and judicial controversy as the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK), the country’s main Tamil political party, demands a national referendum on the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment.

The controversial amendment seeks to extend the retirement age of judges across Sri Lanka’s higher courts. Under the proposed changes, the retirement age for Supreme Court judges would increase from 65 to 67, while Court of Appeal judges would retire at 65 instead of 63.

The bill also proposes a retirement age of 62 for High Court, District Court and Magistrates’ Court judges.

ITAK argues that the proposed constitutional amendment directly concerns the sovereignty of the people and should therefore be put to a public vote. The demand has added to a growing debate over judicial independence and the separation of powers in Sri Lanka.

The bill has been on the Sri Lankan Parliament’s order paper since August 18 and is expected to move to its second reading after the Supreme Court delivers its decision on petitions challenging the constitutionality of the proposed amendment.

Sri Lanka Judges’ Retirement Age Row: ITAK Calls For Referendum On 22nd Amendment

A new constitutional amendment that will curb the powers of Sri Lankan president is expected to be enacted into law within a couple of weeks.

Talking to reporters, the nation's foreign minister Ali Sabry on Monday said, "The new amendment will reduce presidential powers and bring back participatory governance."

Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka: Gotabaya returns; faces arrest calls, receives special security

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To strengthen governance, the proposed 22nd amendment to the Sri Lanka constitution would set up a constitutional council and nine independent commissions, reports Reuters. The commission's objectives include advancing human rights, strengthening anti-corruption investigations, and enhancing audit control of government entities.

The bill was introduced a couple of months back&nbsp;as a means to support stability in Sri Lanka and quell the unrest ignited by the nation's greatest financial crisis in decades.&nbsp;

It will need a two-thirds majority in the 225-member parliament to become a law.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-ousted-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-to-reside-in-state-bungalow-guarded-with-heavy-security-512607" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka’s ousted president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to live in state bungalow with heavy security blanket</a>

Once enacted into law, the revisions would restore the 2015 democratic reforms the former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa undid after winning the 2019 election.

Sri Lanka in the recent past saw its worst financial crisis that soon triggered violence on the streets. The unrest saw the previous president fleeing the country after his official residence was overtaken by a mob.

As per Reuters, the finance minister also announced that Sri Lanka is also in the midst of crafting a new anti-terrorism law that will be in accordance with international best practices.&nbsp;

This comes as a United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session starts next week.&nbsp;Ahead of the session, Sabry also stated that Sri Lanka would oppose any foreign effort to compile evidence of alleged rights violations during the nation's campaign against the Tamil Tiger insurgents.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mahinda-rajapaksas-debt-fuelled-infra-development-didnt-help-sri-lanka-says-former-indian-hc-to-lanka-512034" hreflang="en">Mahinda Rajapaksa's debt-fuelled infra development didn't help Sri Lanka, says former Indian HC to Lanka</a>

He said, "Our stance is very clear. We are a vibrant participant in the international community and intend to discuss with all bilateral and multilateral partners," adding "any external mechanism we are not agreeable to because our Constitution does not allow that."

(With inputs from agencies)

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A new constitutional amendment that will curb the powers of Sri Lankan president is expected to be enacted into law within a couple of weeks. Talking to reporters, the nation's foreign minister Ali Sabry on Monday said, "The new amendment will reduce presidential powers and bring back participatory governance.

A new constitutional amendment that will curb the powers of Sri Lankan president is expected to be enacted into law within a couple of weeks. Talking to reporters, the nation's foreign minister Ali Sabry on Monday said, "The new amendment will reduce presidential powers and bring back participatory governance." Watch | Sri Lanka: Gotabaya returns; faces arrest calls, receives special security To strengthen governance, the proposed 22nd amendment to the Sri Lanka constitution would set up a constitutional council and nine independent commissions, reports Reuters. The commission's objectives include advancing human rights, strengthening anti-corruption investigations, and enhancing audit control of government entities. The bill was introduced a couple of months back as a means to support stability in Sri Lanka and quell the unrest ignited by the nation's greatest financial crisis in decades. It will need a two-thirds majority in the 225-member parliament to become a law. Also read | Sri Lanka’s ousted president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to live in state bungalow with heavy security blanket Once enacted into law, the revisions would restore the 2015 democratic reforms the former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa undid after winning the 2019 election. Sri Lanka in the recent past saw its worst financial crisis that soon triggered violence on the streets. The unrest saw the previous president fleeing the country after his official residence was overtaken by a mob. As per Reuters, the finance minister also announced that Sri Lanka is also in the midst of crafting a new anti-terrorism law that will be in accordance with international best practices. This comes as a United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session starts next week. Ahead of the session, Sabry also stated that Sri Lanka would oppose any foreign effort to compile evidence of alleged rights violations during the nation's campaign against the Tamil Tiger insurgents. Also read | Mahinda Rajapaksa's debt-fuelled infra development didn't help Sri Lanka, says former Indian HC to Lanka He said, "Our stance is very clear. We are a vibrant participant in the international community and intend to discuss with all bilateral and multilateral partners," adding "any external mechanism we are not agreeable to because our Constitution does not allow that." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sri Lanka's 22nd constitutional amendment which limits president powers to become a law soon

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Sri Lanka Judges’ Retirement Age Row: ITAK Calls For Referendum On 22nd Amendment

Sri Lanka's 22nd constitutional amendment which limits president powers to become a law soon