Leaders of the Democratic United Opposition, following a meeting with British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick this morning, voiced strong criticism of the Government’s handling of the proposed constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of judges.
Addressing the media, member of the group, Professor G.L. Peiris said the process lacked transparency, consultation, and respect for key stakeholders, including the Mahanayake Theros of Malwathu and Asgiri, who had written to the President but received no acknowledgment.
Peiris charged that even the Minister of Justice was unaware of the proposals, underscoring what he described as a “completely secret” process.
He argued that the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) had been invited to meet the President only after the Gazette was issued, Cabinet decisions taken, and the process advanced, calling it “eyewash.”
He warned that the amendment would not resolve case backlogs, as only 1% of cases lie before the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, but would instead cause “immeasurable damage” to the judiciary’s independence and public trust.
The opposition leader further noted that extending judges’ tenure could trigger demands from other professional groups, citing nurses, police officers, university professors, and state officials, who may seek similar privileges under Article 12 of the Constitution.
He contrasted the Government’s focus on judicial tenure with pressing national issues such as farmers’ struggles, prison deaths, shortages of essential medicines, and education challenges.
“Is this the country’s priority?” he asked, stressing that the judiciary, long held in “boundless respect” by the people, was being undermined.
Peiris confirmed that the opposition would petition the Supreme Court next week, arguing that the amendment fails to address delays in justice and risks eroding democratic governance.
Parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekara, former Minister Dilan Perera, Premnath C. Dolawatte, and Upatissa Kumaratunga of the New People’s Front also participated in the meeting. (Newswire)