The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has called on all opposition parties to unite against the Government’s reported move to extend the retirement age of judges of the country’s higher courts.
In a statement, SLPP General Secretary Attorney-at-Law Sagara Kariyawasam described the alleged attempt as a “shameful” effort aimed at fulfilling political objectives, claiming it posed a serious threat to democracy.
He said there was growing public opposition to the proposal and noted that the Judges’ Association had also adopted a position opposing the move.
Kariyawasam said the party had consistently opposed the proposal, arguing that extending the service period of higher court judges for political reasons would undermine the independence of the judiciary.
He also recalled that the SLPP’s National Organiser had last week urged the Opposition Leader in Parliament to unite all opposition parties against the proposal and expressed hope that the matter would receive the Opposition Leader’s prompt attention.
Kariyawasam said the SLPP would continue to stand against any threat to democracy and remain committed to protecting democratic institutions. (Newswire)