Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara told Parliament today that he has not received any letter from the Chief Prelates opposing the proposed constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of judges, despite claims made by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL).
“I have not received any letter as claimed by the BASL, while the President has also not informed me yet if he has received such a letter. As such, I have no letter to table in Parliament,” the Minister said.
Nanayakkara explained that he, along with Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, had met the Chief Prelates regarding the matter.
“At that time they had not received the correct information. After we provided the correct information, they informed us to conduct the necessary discussions and take the necessary actions in this regard,” he added.
The remarks came after Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa questioned in Parliament about BASL’s statement that the Chief Incumbent of the Malwatu Chapter had informed them that the Chief Prelates of the four Chapters were of the view that the amendment was not suitable, and that this position had been conveyed in writing to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. (Newswire)