Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa today said he has not been made aware of any letter reportedly sent by the Chief Prelates of the three Nikayas to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, opposing the constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of judges.
Responding to a question at the post- Cabinet media briefing, the Minister explained that he, together with Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, met the Chief Prelates of the Malwattu, Asgiri, and Ramanna Nikayas yesterday (03) to brief them on the 22nd Constitutional Amendment.
He said the Government’s position and its aim of expediting long‑pending court cases to provide relief to the public were clearly conveyed.
Minister Jayatissa noted that the Chief Prelates did not express opposition during these discussions.
He stressed that the amendment was not aimed at a single judge but would raise the retirement age of all judges, including those of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and other courts under the Judicial Service Act.
Quoting the Malwatu Chief Prelate, the Minister said even senior monks had acknowledged the delays in cases, some lasting 12 to 20 years, and agreed that reforms to improve judicial efficiency were necessary.
“There is no opposition to judicial reforms to speed up cases, not even from the Chief Prelates,” he said.
The Minister added that he and Justice Minister Nanayakkara are scheduled to meet the Amarapura Nikaya Chief Prelate later today to continue discussions. (Newswire)