Sri Lanka, Aug. 6 -- The Government yesterday defended the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment and related judicial reforms, stating that the measures are aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka's judicial system in line with the National People's Power (NPP) election manifesto by making the administration of justice more independent, efficient, transparent and accessible to the public.

Addressing a media briefing, Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala said the 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill and the Judicature Amendment Bill were to be gazetted yesterday. He said the briefing was convened to clarify what he described as misconceptions and allegations surrounding the proposed bill.

Quoting the NPP's ele...