Senior lawyer Lal Wijenayake, a member of the National People’s Power (NPP) Leadership Council and Executive Council, has publicly opposed the proposed extension of the retirement age of judges, claiming the matter had not been approved by the party’s decision-making bodies of which he is a member.
Speaking at a media briefing attended by President’s Counsel and senior lawyers today, Wijenayake questioned why he was opposing a proposal associated with a government led by the political movement he represents.
“I am a member of the NPP Leadership Council and Executive Council. No decision of this nature to extend the retirement age of judges has been taken at any NPP Executive Council or any other council that I am part of,” he said.
Wijenayake further claimed that when he raised questions about the matter, he was told to remain silent.
“When I asked about this, I was told to keep my mouth shut,” he said.
Highlighting his long involvement in the legal profession and left-wing politics, Wijenayake said he had practised law for 55 years and had been involved in the left movement for around 60 years.
He said his political career had been built around principles and the objective of creating a civilised society, adding that he had previously fought for judicial independence during different administrations.
Wijenayake said his opposition to the current proposal was a continuation of that commitment to safeguarding the independence of the judiciary.
“I will continue to fight for it today. This is an arbitrary and uncivilised decision,” he said. (Newswire)