Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatta Chapter of the Siyam Nikaya in Sri Lanka, Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Mahanayake Thera, has said that the President has not responded to a letter sent by the Mahanayake Theras regarding the proposed extension of judges’ retirement age.
Speaking during a meeting with representatives of a human rights organisation in Kandy, the Thera said that, from ancient times, the Maha Sangha had advised rulers, both verbally and in writing, on matters of national importance.
“In other situations in the past, a reply was sent acknowledging receipt. But on this matter, we have not received a reply as of now. We have not even been informed whether the letter was received,” he said.
At the same meeting, the organisation’s Executive Director, Subhashana Subbavikrama, said that in many countries, judges’ tenure extends beyond the age of 60 and that extending the retirement age in Sri Lanka would therefore not pose a problem. (Newswire)