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NexGen unit gives up wind farm deals

NexGen Energy Corp.’s wind development subsidiary, Airstream Renewables Corp. (ARC), told the Department of Energy (DOE) that it will surrender its exclusive rights to two wind farm projects due to technical and safety limitations discovered during site assessments.

In a disclosure to the stock exchange on Wednesday, the company cited rapid residential expansion, creating space limitations, environmental worries, and heightened safety and navigational hazards as reasons why it will give up wind energy service contract (WESC) no. 2023-12-356, or the Asisan wind farm project, covering portions of Tagaytay City, Mendez, and Alfonso, Cavite.

For WESC No. 2024-02-373, or the Sambong wind farm project located across Tagaytay City and Alfonso, Cavite, as well as Laurel and Nasugbu, Batangas, the company cited hollow bedrock terrain, making wind turbine generator (WTG) installation structurally challenging and financially unviable. ARC is currently awaiting the DOE’s official acceptance of the relinquishment and the termination of both WESCs. Because both projects are still in their early pre-development stages, this termination will have no impact on NexGen’s financial condition or ongoing operations.

In December 2025, NexGen announced that ARC bagged onshore wind energy service contracts (WESC) with a total capacity of 1.7 gigawatts from the DOE.

These are the 600-megawatt (MW) Pangasinan Onshore Wind Power Project, 600-MW Samar Onshore Wind Power Project, and the 500-MW Nueva Ecija Onshore Wind Power Project. The projected investment amounts to $2.5 billion.

NexGen raised some P504 million in gross proceeds from its initial public offering in July 2024.

The company is using the funds to carry out its growth plans. It also allocated capital to develop and acquire renewable energy projects.

US-Based Ghanaian Lecturer’s Wife Grabbed Over His Murder

Betty Akamani, a 35-year-old woman, has been charged with the murder of her US-based Ghanaian husband, Dr. Kofi Akamani, a Southern Illinois University professor.

The mother of two was charged on Monday, September 21 with two counts of felony first-degree murder and one count of endangering the life or health of a child.

Betty Akamani is accused of shooting her husband, 48-year-old Dr. Kofi Akamani multiple times while he sat in his car in her driveway at her Murphysboro home.

He later died at a Carbondale hospital.

According to court records and the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office, the couple had been separated for two years, and were in the middle of a divorce.

In court on Monday, Betty Akamani was denied release. She will remain in the Jackson County Jail.

She is set to appear in court again on October 6 for a preliminary hearing.

According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), deputies were called to a reported shooting around 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 19.

The 48-year-old academic was found with gunshot wounds and was rushed to the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, where he was pronounced dead.

Police say investigations have commenced but are still in the early stages.

The Jackson County Ambulance Service, the Coroner’s Office, and the State’s Attorney’s Office are assisting with the probe.

The Sheriff’s Office added that no further details would be released for now as investigations continue.

Dr. Akamani began his tertiary education in Ghana at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Development Planning, specialising in Urban Planning.

He initially intended to pursue further studies in Urban Planning but was advised that the future of planning lay in sustainable development.

Jeff Harmon, chief communications and marketing officer at SIU, said, ‘It is with a heavy heart that we have learned of the tragic passing of one of our faculty members, Dr. Kofi Akamani. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and students during this difficult time.’

According to a Facebook post by the Southern Illinois University, a vigil is scheduled today at 6 p.m. at the Ag building front lawn. They say a memorial will follow at a later date.

Leptospirosis cases up 38% as DOH reports epidemic threshold breached

A total of 10,936 suspected leptospirosis cases have been reported as of September 16, 2026, according to the Department of Health (DOH). The figure is 38 percent higher than the 7,931 cases recorded during the same period in 2025, the DOH said.

Over the past three to four weeks, cases were 116 percent higher than those recorded during the preceding five to six weeks, pushing the national figures beyond the epidemic threshold.

At present, 46 Philippine Health Information System (PHIS) facilities across 10 regions have breached the epidemic threshold and are showing increasing growth rates. The National Capital Region, Region II, and Calabarzon have the highest number of PHIS facilities included on the list.

Flooding drives increase

Continuous rains and flooding brought about by climate change remain the primary drivers of the increase in cases, accounting for 66 percent, or 7,242, of the cumulative cases.

Males accounted for a larger proportion of cases, with 8,640, or 79 percent, affected. Most were from the working-age group, with a median age of 33 years, reflecting increased exposure to floodwaters.

The cumulative case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 5.1 percent, lower than the 10.55-percent CFR recorded in 2025.

Despite the lower CFR this year, 42 percent of the total deaths occurred during the morbidity weeks when the epidemic threshold was breached.

The DOH cautioned the public to immediately seek medical advice after exposure to floodwaters, whether symptoms are present.

Cases must be identified as early as possible, and treatment should be initiated even without laboratory confirmation when leptospirosis is clinically suspected, as delays in treatment can rapidly lead to complications, including death.

DOH strengthens response

The DOH said it continues to strengthen patient navigation and referral coordination across its hospitals and partner government health facilities, including the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, San Lazaro Hospital, and East Avenue Medical Center.

The measures are intended to facilitate timely admission and access to appropriate levels of care.

The existing DOH Leptospirosis Tracker has also been expanded into a Unified Leptospirosis and Dengue Case Tracker to support:

monitoring of hospital capacity and caseload;

identification of referral, surge, and resource requirements; and

timely operational decision-making and response.

Hospital bed occupancy and patients’ clinical status are also being continuously monitored to identify facilities that are at or approaching capacity and guide patient referrals, surge measures, and resource augmentation.

The DOH underscored the need for intensified public health advisories on preventing leptospirosis, including avoiding exposure to floodwaters and seeking early medical consultation following exposure.

It also called for continued coordination with respective Centers for Health Development (CHDs) to assess needs and provide technical assistance, particularly in areas at increased risk of exposure and leptospirosis cases.

The DOH is also prepositioning doxycycline stocks in CHDs, particularly in flood-prone and high-risk areas, to ensure timely access to post-exposure prophylaxis and treatment when indicated.

Bishop-elect Gubazire: A good addition to Church leadership

The announcement by the Apostolic Nunciature in Kampala that Pope Leo XIV appointed Monsignor Prof Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire as the next Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kabale marks a significant moment in the life of the Church in Southwestern Uganda.

Having studied philosophy one year ahead of Fr Gubazire during our formative years at the Philosophy Centre (PCJ) in Jinja, I received news of his appointment with profound personal joy.

Those years were marked by rigorous intellectual formation, spirited debate, and the forging of enduring friendships.

While our vocations eventually followed different trajectories, mine into the social sciences and his into priestly and ecclesial service, I have remained an attentive observer of a journey distinguished by intellectual discipline, personal integrity, and unwavering commitment to the Church.

That sense of admiration is accompanied by an equally profound awareness of the weight of responsibility that now rests upon his shoulders.

The episcopacy is a singular vocation within the life of the Church. It confers authority, yet it also demands sacrifice and often a certain solitude.

Prof Gubazire approaches this responsibility not as an external administrator but as one whose roots are deeply woven into the ecclesial and social fabric of Kigezi.

His father, Mzee Gubazire, has for decades been recognised as a respected lay leader within the Diocese of Kabale, while members of his family have distinguished themselves through service to both Church and society.

Such a heritage offers more than familiarity with local realities; it provides an intimate understanding of the aspirations, anxieties, and lived experiences of the people he is now called to shepherd.

For those who have had the privilege of knowing him personally, however, his most valuable asset lies neither in his family pedigree nor in his impressive academic attainments.

It rests in the quality of his character. Throughout his life, Fr Gubazire has embodied a quiet humility, a genuine concern for others, and a profound respect for human dignity.

His disposition reflects a conviction that leadership is fundamentally an act of service and that authority achieves its highest purpose when directed towards the flourishing of others.

His intellectual formation further enriches this profile. Having served as Rector of Saint Martin of Tours Formation House in Ejisu, Ghana, and pursued advanced studies in both Ireland and the Philippines, he brings to the episcopacy a breadth of scholarly experience grounded in philosophical reflection.

His academic interests in communitarian ethics and classical theism reveal a mind deeply attentive to the relationship between the individual, the community, and the transcendent.

Such a disposition should not be mistaken for indecision or institutional laxity. Every bishop is entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the faith and preserving ecclesial discipline.

Fidelity to the teachings and traditions of the Church remains an indispensable aspect of episcopal ministry. Yet authentic leadership requires more than the application of rules.

It calls for the wisdom to understand the human realities beneath institutional challenges and the courage to address them through a synthesis of justice, charity, and pastoral prudence.

The most significant test of Bishop-elect Gubazire’s leadership may lie not merely in the administration of ecclesiastical discipline, but in his capacity to hold together justice, mercy, and pastoral responsibility within complex and often competing realities.

The episcopal installation will mark the beginning of a demanding yet promising chapter for the Diocese of Kabale.

HAITI-POLITICS-Antigua and Barbuda supports Haiti calling for renewal and deployment of GSF

Antigua and Barbuda Wednesday joined Haiti in urging the Organization of American States (OAS) to call for the renewal and full deployment of the Gang Suppression Force(GSF) in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.

The GSF is a United Nations-authorised multinational security and police mission deployed to Haiti to conduct intelligence-led operations, neutralize armed gangs, secure critical infrastructure, and support humanitarian access as the country moves towards holding presidential and legislative elections on December 13.

Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador to the OAS, Sir Ronald Sanders in joining the Haitian ambassador, Jean Josué Pierre, made the appeal in a Joint Statement as the United Nations Security Council prepares to consider renewal of the 5,500 GSF’s mandate before the end of September.

Sir Ronald, who is Dean of the OAS Corps of Ambassadors, said the central purpose of the proposed statement was ‘clear and urgent.

‘We call upon the United Nations Security Council to renew the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force, and upon the international community to ensure its full and consistent deployment,’ he said, cautioning that renewal of the mandate would achieve little unless governments honoured their commitments of personnel, financing, equipment and logistical support.

‘A force authorised on paper but deprived of the resources necessary to fulfil its mandate cannot deliver the security that the Haitian people desperately need. Words of support must now be matched by the resources and resolve that can turn solidarity into security,’ Sanders added.

The proposed Joint Statement calls for the GSF to support the Haitian National Police and the Armed Forces of Haiti in restoring lawful state authority in gang-controlled areas, securing the airport and port, reopening vital transport routes and protecting the population.

It also calls for stronger international action to stop the illicit flow of arms and ammunition into Haiti, disrupt the financial and supply networks sustaining the gangs, and identify, expose and bring to justice those who finance, arm or otherwise enable them.

‘Security must create the space in which constitutional and democratic government can be restored.It must also permit humanitarian assistance, economic recovery and opportunity for Haiti’s young people.

‘Haiti is asking us to help create the conditions in which the Haitian people can reclaim their future for themselves. Let us call with one voice for renewal of the mandate, full deployment of the Force and fulfilment of the commitments made to Haiti,’ Sir Ronald added.

Panic as suspected hoodlums burgle shops in Osogbo

There is a growing panic among traders at the Old Garage area of Osogbo, Osun State capital, following the burglary and vandalism of their shops overnight on Tuesday.

The traders, who are mainly Igbo phone accessories sellers, claimed they left their shops intact on Monday night only to arrive on Tuesday morning to discover their display glass boxes broken.

Shards of broken glasses were seen scattered on some of the shop floors, while the display glasses clearly carried signs of having been forcefully hit.

Speaking during an interview, the President of the Traders’ association, Mr Ifeanyi Peter Okoye, said the traders discovered the damage when they arrived at their shops in the early hours of the morning to commence their normal business activities.

According to him, several of the glass panels used in their shops had been broken.

Okoye said the traders had, for the past two days, allegedly received threats from some individuals identified by them as area boys operating around the garage.

He alleged that the threats were connected to the traders’ presence at some public events, including a birthday celebration of the wife of the state governor and another event held to celebrate the victory of Governor Adeleke.

Okoye complained bitterly that business was being affected and buyers were avoiding their shops owing to fear of possible attacks by the hoodlums.

Another trader, Anayo, who spoke, said, ‘Since Saturday, we have been getting threats from these hoodlums. They have made good their threat to destroy our business.’

Others who spoke without identifying themselves, out of obvious fear of the unknown, also confirmed the situation, claiming that they are being targeted for reportedly showing support for Governor Adeleke during and after the just concluded elections.

The Osun State Police Command is yet to react to the incident.

UNBS seizes 79 tonnes of underweight cement in Kampala market crackdown

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has seized approximately 79 tonnes of underweight cement-equivalent to 1,077 bags-during a targeted market surveillance operation at Goodshed-Biwologoma along Entebbe Road in Kampala.

The standardisation watchdog revealed in a media statement on Wednesday that its surveillance team inspected 29 cement stores and outlets during the operation.

Inspectors discovered multiple batches of cement weighing below the declared package amounts, alongside over four tonnes of empty cement bags and packaging materials suspected to be used for illegal repackaging.

Ms. Sarah Nantongo, a UNBS Senior Surveillance Officer, emphasized that the bureau is committed to protecting consumers from unfair trade practices.

“Consumers have a right to receive the accurate product quantity as declared on a product,” Ms. Nantongo said. “Any practice that deliberately compromises the quantity of a product, including the repackaging and sale of underweight commodities, is unacceptable. UNBS will continue to undertake market surveillance and take appropriate enforcement action against products and businesses that do not comply with mandatory standards.”

According to UNBS, the operation targeted numerous outlets and hardware businesses in the Goodshed area, including Alizahad Ventures, Walusimbi Store, Kateregga’s Store, Hajji Kababba Stores, Bosco’s Shop, Nambooze Lime Stores, and several unnamed outlets and trucks operating in the Goodshed and Clock Tower areas.

The bureau stated that suspects apprehended during the exercise have been handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Uganda Police Force for further action, while investigations continue.

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The enforcement action was carried out under the provisions of the UNBS Act Cap 210, the UNBS Market Surveillance Regulations (2022), standard US EAS 18-1:2017 regarding cement composition and specification, and US 1028:2013 on pre-packaged product labelling requirements.

UNBS warned traders against selling non-conforming or underweight commodities and urged members of the public to report suspected cases of substandard products via its toll-free lines.

NGCP: Visayas reserves running, but not enough

THE National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) clarified that its contracted ancillary services (AS) in the Visayas are active and fully deployed, but are insufficient to cover the simultaneous outages of several power plants in the region.

Ancillary services are support services necessary to maintain the reliability and security of the power grid by helping balance electricity supply and demand. They are provided by qualified generating plants and procured and managed by NGCP as system operator.

NGCP spokesperson Cynthia Alabanza likened ancillary services to a ‘spare tire’ for the power grid, saying the problem in the Visayas is that too many generating plants broke down at the same time and exhausted available backup capacity.

‘What is happening in the Visayas is that three tires went flat at the same time,’ Alabanza said during a hearing.

Even with ancillary services ‘installed, running, utilized, and being deployed to different parts of the Visayas,’ she said the simultaneous outages created a shortage too large for available reserves to cover.

‘So it is running, but it is still not enough,’ Alabanza said.

She stressed that the Visayas needs additional replacement power to stabilize the grid, but there is currently no alternative generation supply available.

‘What we need is replacement power, but there is really nothing available to replace it,’ she said.

NGCP also addressed the Batangas-Mindoro interconnection project, saying it originally filed an application with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to include the project in its capital expenditure program in 2011.

NGCP said final regulatory approval came only in February 2023.

‘In 2023, we got our resolution. I think it was approved in February 2023, dated November 2022,’ Alabanza said.

She said NGCP had already undertaken pre-construction activities while awaiting approval, allowing work to proceed continuously once the ERC resolution was issued. Construction is ongoing.

ERC Chairman Francis Saturnino Juan acknowledged the length of the regulatory process but noted that NGCP subsequently filed an application involving a different line capacity.

‘That is a matter of record, but after the original filing, there was a new filing for a different capacity for the lines, and we’ve acted on this capex proposal of NGCP,’ Juan said.

NGCP also said a two-year timetable for completing the Batangas-Mindoro interconnection project would be unrealistically short based on international construction averages.

‘We do not know where that 2025 timeline originated. I think that was a requirement of the DOE then, but we were saying two years is too short to build such a facility,’ Alabanza said.

She said NGCP nevertheless tried to meet the timetable but could not commit to completing the project within two years.

‘Even based on global averages for more developed countries, you will see that the gestation period for a transmission facility takes seven to 10 years,’ she said.

NGCP Systems Operations Manager Erwin Bugawisan earlier warned that Mindanao’s electricity supply and demand could reach equilibrium by 2028, potentially leaving the region without excess power to send to the Visayas.

‘If that happens, it will no longer have any excess power to share with the Visayas,’ Bugawisan said.

Mindanao is currently able to supply electricity to the Visayas because several new generating plants came online after 2019.

Bugawisan said electricity demand in the Visayas has increased by as much as 165 percent since 2009, while supply has risen by only as much as 130 percent.

‘If you observe from 2019 towards 2026, the supply has become stagnant. As a result, demand growth has now outpaced supply. Visayas really lacks generation,’ he said.

A similar gap is emerging in Luzon, where demand has increased by 118 percent since 2009 while generating capacity has grown by only 110 percent.

‘Supply is falling behind as well,’ Bugawisan said.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, however, expressed confidence that additional generating capacity would become available before 2028.

‘We have incoming power plants. We also have incoming renewables,’ Garin said.

She said the government is also conducting green energy auctions, particularly for Mindanao, and holding discussions with developers planning to build new generating facilities.

‘So, we’ll talk to NGCP about it. We’ve been talking to them about it already,’ Garin said.

UMA to highlight local innovations, discounted deals at 32nd international trade fair

The Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) is set to showcase locally manufactured products and breakthrough industrial innovations at the upcoming 32nd Uganda International Trade Fair, aimed at resolving pressing logistics and supply chain challenges facing manufacturers across the country.

The nine-day exhibition will take place from October 3 to 11, 2026, at the UMA Showgrounds in Lugogo, Kampala, under the theme ‘Formalising Trade to Secure Uganda’s Economic Future.’

Addressing journalists during the official launch of the trade fair on Tuesday, Dr. Ezra Muhumuza, the UMA Executive Director, emphasized that the event will focus on promoting local manufacturing, accelerating innovation, and supporting government initiatives to eliminate growth barriers.

Dr. Muhumuza highlighted transport and logistics as persistent hurdles for industrialists, particularly those operating in agro-processing and mineral beneficiation.

‘Government asked us as industrialists to support the national growth strategy of tenfold growth as a target. We came in to concentrate on reduction of barriers and create solutions as manufacturers,’ Dr. Muhumuza said.

He noted that UMA tasked its internal research teams with developing targeted, practical interventions to address logistics costs.

‘One of the big barriers that we have been having as a country is transport and logistics challenges. We took it upon ourselves as manufacturers, and we have already started to seek some of the solutions that our research components have been doing,’ he added.

Key industrial solutions set for unveiling at the trade fair include locally built refrigerated trucks designed to preserve fresh agricultural produce during transit for export and raw material delivery. Additionally, local manufacturers have commenced the production of heavy-duty trailers to streamline mineral transport from mining fields to processing hubs.

‘Today, one of the flagship products that we are bringing here is to solve the transportation challenge that people in the agro-industry sector are facing,’ Dr. Muhumuza stated.

Bridging manufacturers and consumers

Beyond industrial displays, the trade fair offers consumers a direct channel to purchase goods at factory-discounted prices. UMA has collaborated with IT partners to build an online trading system and consumer database to help shoppers track available items and special offers.,

A major feature of this year’s event is the introduction of the inaugural “Black Deals” campaign. According to UMA, over 4,000 products across construction, food and beverages, cosmetics, electronics, household appliances, vehicles, and heavy machinery are being uploaded to the digital platform.

Speaking at the launch, UMA Board Chairman Aga Sekalala Jr. described the trade fair as a vital venue to showcase the country’s manufacturing capacity and economic drive.

‘The 32nd Uganda International Trade Fair, with the theme ‘Formalising Trade to Secure Uganda’s Economic Future’, is more than an event. It’s a powerful statement of our national ambition. It’s a testament to the resilience of our manufacturers and the vast potential of our economy and country,’ Sekalala said.

Organizers anticipate thousands of visitors including local and international manufacturers, distributors, government regulatory agencies, innovators, and everyday consumers. Entry to the fair is set at Shs10,000 per person.

SC holds 22A does not need referendum

Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne yesterday informed Parliament that the Supreme Court has determined the Twenty Second Amendment to the Constitution Bill does not require approval by the People at a Referendum

This clears the way for the Government to enact the contested judicial reforms with a two-thirds parliamentary majority alone.

Announcing the Special Determination in the House, the Speaker said the Bill, together with the companion Judicature (Amendment) Bill, had been examined under Article 121(1) of the Constitution by a five-judge Bench.

The Bench was headed by Chief Justice P. Padman Surasena, sitting with Justices Achala Wengappuli, Arjuna Obeyesekere, Sampath B. Abayakoon and K.M. Gihan H. Kulatunga.

The Determination, filed within the constitutionally-prescribed period, held that the provisions of the 22nd Amendment Bill, which raises the retirement age of Supreme Court judges to 67 years and of Court of Appeal judges to 65 years, do not require Referendum approval under Article 83 of the Constitution.

The Judicature (Amendment) Bill, which raises the retirement age of High Court, District Court and Magistrates’ Court judges to 62 years and expands the High Court Bench from 110 to 120 judges, was found not inconsistent with the Constitution and may proceed by simple majority.

The Bench heard the petitions over two days, on 1 and 2 September, after the Bills were Gazetted on 7 August and placed on the Order Paper of Parliament on 18 August.

A record 72 Special Determination petitions were filed, 64 against the 22nd Amendment Bill and eight against the Judicature (Amendment) Bill, with 11 parties permitted to intervene.

At the outset of the hearing, counsel for several petitioners, including the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, applied for the case to be heard by a ‘Full Court’ of all 17 sitting judges, and separately sought Chief Justice Surasena’s recusal on the basis that he would be the first Supreme Court judge to benefit from the extended retirement age.

The Bench rejected both applications, holding that only the Chief Justice has the constitutional discretion under Article 132(3) to constitute a larger Bench, and that acceding to the request would have amounted to an abdication by the Chief Justice of his constitutional role.

The Court stated that had it acceded to the application, ‘that would have amounted to an abdication by the Chief Justice of the Constitutional role vested in him and a usurpation of the discretion of the Chief Justice by the other Judges of this Court.’

The Bench also rejected the argument that judges hearing the case faced a disqualifying conflict of interest, finding the Petitioners’ position, that only the Chief Justice stood to benefit while other judges should hear the case, to be without basis.

The Determination stated: ‘If the Chief Justice is disqualified on that basis, such disqualification should apply to all other Judges since the ‘benefit’ is one and the same. This in our view is a subtle attempt to fix benches according to one’s whims and fancies.’

The central submission advanced by the Petitioners was that extending the retirement age of sitting judges amounted to a ‘legislative bribe’ or inducement that would compromise judicial independence protected under Article 3 of the Constitution.

The Court rejected this, distinguishing between a reduction in judicial tenure, which it said would threaten independence, and a non-discriminatory, non-discretionary increase applying uniformly to all sitting judges across the country.

‘We conclude that any increase in the age of retirement of Judges cannot amount to conferring an inducement and/or favour to the incumbent Judges,’ the Determination held.

The Court also dismissed submissions that the Bills amounted to ‘Court Capture’ or ‘Court Packing,’ noting that the judges who stood to benefit had served under successive prior governments of differing political composition.

‘We strongly reject that the Government seeks to fill the Court with Judges who may be ideologically aligned with the Government,’ the Bench ruled.

On comparative practice, the Bench noted that Sri Lanka’s judicial retirement ages remain low by international standards, observing that the retirement age for apex court judges is 75 in the United Kingdom, Canada and Brazil, 70 in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan and the Philippines, and that there is no mandatory retirement age for United States Supreme Court judges.

‘We observe that the age of retirement of Judges in other jurisdictions are comparatively higher than in Sri Lanka,’ the Determination noted.

The Court ordered two changes to the proviso in Clause 2 of the 22nd Amendment Bill, which caps any Chief Justice’s tenure at six years in office. It directed that the Sinhala text be amended to replace the phrase denoting ‘the date on which the Chief Justice turns 67’ with a phrase denoting ‘the date on which the Chief Justice completes 67 years,’ for clarity.

It further ordered that a second proviso be added at the Committee stage, stating that the six-year term limit will not apply to any person holding the office of Chief Justice as at the date of coming into operation of this Act, a safeguard intended to place the clause ‘on a solid constitutional foundation’ and confirm that it will not reduce the tenure of the sitting Chief Justice.

The Court also observed that petitions in five cases, SC/SD/72/2026, SC/SD/74/2026, SC/SD/82/2026, SC/SD/99/2026 and SC/SD/101/2026, had not been delivered to the Speaker at the same time they were filed in Court, as required under Article 121(1), and noted that such non-compliance should ordinarily result in a petition being rejected.

The two Bills are scheduled for their second reading debate in Parliament on 24 and 25 September, 2026.