President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the government is considering introducing concessions for domestic rooftop solar users to encourage the installation of battery storage systems.

Addressing the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit on Monday (12), the President acknowledged the difficulties faced by domestic rooftop solar users, particularly due to taxes imposed on smaller battery storage systems.

He explained that the government currently provides concessions for battery storage systems with capacities exceeding 1 megawatt, while batteries below this capacity remain subject to taxation.

The President said the government is exploring the possibility of extending concessions to domestic users, including those requiring smaller battery storage systems with capacities of around 200 to 500 kilowatts.

However, he noted that a technical challenge remains in distinguishing batteries specifically designed to store solar-generated electricity from other types of batteries.

He expressed confidence that once this issue is resolved, the government would be able to proceed with its proposed concessions for domestic solar users.

Meanwhile, President Dissanayake rejected claims that the government was opposed to renewable energy, highlighting the expansion of solar power generation since assuming office.

He said Sri Lanka had approximately 1,400 megawatts of installed solar power capacity when the government came into power, while an additional 1,500 megawatts had been added over the past two years.

Agreements have also been signed for a further 1,100 megawatts of solar power capacity, which is expected to be completed next year.

Accordingly, the President said the government expects to have added approximately 2,600 megawatts of solar power capacity by next year.

Highlighting the challenges of expanding ground-mounted solar projects in a country with limited land resources, he explained that generating one megawatt of solar power requires approximately three acres of land.

As an alternative, the government has begun focusing on floating solar power projects using reservoirs and other water bodies.

The President cited the five-megawatt floating solar project at Ibbankatuwa, which occupies approximately 10 acres, as an example of this approach.

He also revealed plans to develop a floating solar project at Randenigala through a public-private partnership, while Moragahakanda, Samanalawewa and Chandrika Wewa have been identified as potential locations for similar projects.

Meanwhile, the President highlighted the importance of battery storage systems in addressing fluctuations in renewable energy generation.

He explained that solar electricity production is generally higher during the afternoon, sometimes exceeding the capacity of the electricity system to accommodate the additional supply.

Following recommendations from energy experts, the government is focusing on storing excess solar-generated electricity during the daytime for use at night.

The President said tenders had already been called for 160 battery storage units, with 13 expected to be completed by the end of November.

He added that tenders had also been called for another 250 battery units, with the latest procurement process resulting in a price reduction of approximately Rs. 10 compared to the earlier tender.

The government is also considering extending battery storage opportunities to existing operators, he said.

Commenting on the country’s renewable energy performance, President Dissanayake said renewable sources currently account for approximately 69% of Sri Lanka’s electricity generation, with the share reaching around 70% to 75% on certain days, depending on prevailing conditions.

He further revealed that Sri Lanka had not used any diesel for electricity generation during the previous four consecutive days, describing this as a significant achievement in the country’s transition towards renewable energy.

The President reiterated that the government’s primary objectives are to ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply and provide electricity to consumers at an affordable cost.

He expressed confidence that the country’s renewable energy expansion programme is progressing successfully towards achieving these goals. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced that Sri Lanka is expected to receive substantial financial assistance from the Indian Government for the development of the Anuradhapura Sacred City.

Addressing a public rally in Ibbagamuwa on Sunday (11), the President said the financial assistance would be provided as part of the strong bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and India.

He recalled that India had provided USD 100 million in assistance following Cyclone Ditwah, along with a significant number of temporary bridges and loan assistance for the construction of additional bridges.

The President also noted that India’s External Affairs Minister had visited Sri Lanka as a special representative of the Indian Prime Minister and held discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Meanwhile, President Dissanayake highlighted Sri Lanka’s cooperation with other countries, including Japan and China, particularly in developing the country’s public transport sector.

He stated that Japan had agreed to provide buses for a new public transport project in Sri Lanka and that the buses had already been delivered.

The President further revealed that the Chinese Government had expressed its agreement to provide 100 electric buses following a request made by Sri Lanka.

Emphasising the government’s foreign policy approach, President Dissanayake said Sri Lanka continues to maintain balanced diplomatic relations with all countries.

He stressed that Sri Lanka would not align itself with any particular bloc during international conflicts, reiterating the government’s commitment to an independent and balanced foreign policy. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Minister of Defence, has officially declared the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) in Colombo as a place of detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

The declaration was made through an Extraordinary Gazette notification, No. 2509/11, published on October 6, 2026.

According to the Gazette, the President exercised the powers vested in him under Section 9 of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, No. 48 of 1979, to designate the premises as a place of detention for the purposes of the Act.

The designated detention facility is located at the Central Crime Investigation Bureau, on the 7th floor of the Labour Secretariat Building in Colombo 05.

The Gazette notification was signed by President Dissanayake on September 17, 2026, in his capacity as President and Minister of Defence. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to take steps to have the new drug control legislation already presented to Parliament passed by the third week of October, as part of the government’s efforts to combat the drug menace in Sri Lanka.

The President instructed that the proposed legislation be referred to the relevant parliamentary committee during the first week of October to obtain approval, with measures thereafter to have it passed by Parliament by the third week of the month.

The instructions were issued during a meeting of the “A Nation United” National Operations Council, established to eradicate the dangerous drug menace from the country, held at the Presidential Secretariat today (30).

Meanwhile, it was revealed at the meeting that 8,000 Government Analyst reports relating to drugs had been completed during September alone, following measures to expand facilities and improve efficiency at the Government Analyst’s Department.

The number of Government Analyst reports issued daily has increased, while data-entry operations have also been accelerated with the assistance of Navy personnel.

It was further revealed that improvements in obtaining Government Analyst reports have enabled a significant number of individuals imprisoned over drug-related offences to be released on bail, helping to reduce overcrowding in prisons.

The President also instructed officials to develop a strong mechanism to directly educate parents about the seriousness of the drug menace and how to monitor changes in their children’s behaviour.

President Dissanayake said protecting children from drugs depends on a strong parent-child relationship rather than relying on the law alone, stressing the need to actively involve parents in efforts to protect children.

He also pointed out that parents need access to a trustworthy person when they believe their child may be at risk of drug use.

Noting that parents often turn to teachers or religious leaders in such situations, the President called for a systematic programme capable of providing reliable guidance. He also highlighted the need to provide specialised training to teachers if they are to be involved in the programme.

Attention was also drawn to the 1818 hotline, which has been introduced for the public to provide information on drug trafficking, distribution and related illegal activities.

The President stressed the importance of keeping the hotline actively operational and building public confidence in the system.

He also called for a public awareness programme highlighting the action taken in response to information received through the 1818 hotline, in order to strengthen public trust and encourage the reporting of drug-related activities.

Meanwhile, the President emphasised the need to further strengthen operations aimed at dismantling drug distribution networks.

The meeting also discussed plans to develop a centralised digital system connecting the Police, Government Analyst’s Department, Department of Prisons and the judicial system.

The President instructed officials to discuss the practical issues surrounding the proposed system with the Defence Secretary and other relevant officials and take steps to resolve them.

Attention was also drawn to providing facilities, in accordance with Act No. 07 of 2025, to allow expert reports and Government Analyst reports to be sent directly to courts via email.

The President also reviewed measures being taken to fill vacancies at the Legal Draftsman’s Department.

Programmes being implemented in international schools to combat the drug menace and their effectiveness were also reviewed during the meeting.

President Dissanayake further highlighted the need for social media awareness programmes targeting young people to educate them about the dangerous consequences of drug use.

The meeting also discussed drug-related challenges in the Northern and Eastern regions following the war and ongoing programmes aimed at addressing the issue.

Progress in the rehabilitation process was also reviewed, including measures to increase the capacity of rehabilitation centres. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced that a mass rally, under the theme “People’s Rule – Two Years Strong. Progress for All”, will be held in Gampaha on Sunday, September 27.

According to an announcement shared on the President’s social media, the rally is scheduled to commence at 3.30 pm, with live coverage also set to begin at the same time.

The Gampaha event forms part of the ongoing “People’s Rule – Two Years Strong. Progress for All.” rally series marking two years of the National People’s Power (NPP) government. 

Recent rallies under the same theme have been held in several parts of the country, with President Dissanayake participating in the campaign. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced that the government will take steps to make a formal written diplomatic appeal to the King of Saudi Arabia seeking a pardon for Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa, who has been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia.

The President made the announcement following a meeting with Sivarasa’s parents in Colombo.

During the meeting, President Dissanayake assured the family that the government was making every possible effort to secure a pardon for their son.

He explained that the government was intervening through both legal and diplomatic channels to address the situation.

The President said steps would be taken to formally appeal to the Saudi King in writing, seeking clemency for Sivarasa.

Sivarasa’s family has been seeking urgent intervention after being informed that his initial sentence of five years’ imprisonment and a fine of 3 million Saudi riyals had been increased to a death sentence following an appeal.

The case stems from a social media comment reportedly deemed insulting to Islam and the Prophet Muhammad.

The Foreign Ministry previously confirmed that it was engaging with Saudi authorities through diplomatic channels but had not formally confirmed the reported death sentence, pending receipt of the written court judgment. (Newswire)

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The 5 MW “Diyajanani” Floating Solar Power Plant, constructed on the Ibbankatuwa Tank in Dambulla under the Government’s national sustainable energy programme, was officially connected to the National Grid this afternoon under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Spread across 10.5 acres, the plant will generate enough electricity annually to power approximately 7,500 households, while reducing 6,440 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions and saving around 2.5 million litres of diesel otherwise required for power generation. Officials estimate this will save the country nearly USD 3 million in foreign exchange each year.

A notable aspect of the project, developed by Diyajanani (Pvt) Ltd, is that it was built entirely with the expertise of local engineers and technicians, providing employment to about 150 people from the surrounding community during construction.

Following the unveiling of the commemorative plaque, President Dissanayake inspected the control room and operations of the facility. 

He also symbolically participated in several community welfare initiatives linked to the project. These included providing Rs. 800,000 and a generator to the Sri Vivekarama Temple for the construction of its Dhamma Hall, Rs. 2,000,000 to the fishing community for mud ponds and fishing equipment, and Rs. 1,000,000 to establish a green park under the Clean Sri Lanka programme. In addition, Rs. 800,000 was donated to supply all students of Anakatava Primary School with equipment and materials for the year, while Rs. 400,000 was allocated to Weera Mohan Jayamaha School for the implementation of a water project. 

Several other welfare initiatives were also undertaken as part of the project’s community outreach. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka today marked a milestone in renewable energy with the commissioning of a 10‑megawatt / 40‑megawatt‑hour battery energy storage system in Anuradhapura, officially connected to the national power grid under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The project, implemented with the contribution of Storex (Pvt) Ltd., is designed to strengthen the country’s renewable energy capacity and improve grid stability. 

The system stores excess solar power generated during the daytime and releases it at night when demand peaks.

This installation is the first of 13 battery storage systems planned under Storex’s national project, with a combined capacity of 130 megawatts and 520 megawatt‑hours. Officials stated that the remaining systems will be completed and added to the grid within the next two to three months.

President Dissanayake unveiled a commemorative plaque and inspected the facility. 

He also symbolically awarded 10 scholarships to students excelling in Ordinary Level Mathematics and Science at Thammannapura School, alongside the donation of a printing machine for student use. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has emphasized that safeguarding the lives of children, the nation’s most precious asset, is a fundamental responsibility of the Government. 

He made these remarks while participating in the launch of the “Diviyata Saviyak” Housing Programme, implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, yesterday (17) at the Presidential Secretariat.

Under the programme, a housing assistance grant of Rs. 2 million each is provided to support the construction of homes for young men and women over the age of 18 who have transitioned into society from Child Development Centres, as well as children identified as being in vulnerable and high‑risk situations. 

Last year, Rs. 1 million was allocated for this purpose, but the amount was doubled this year to strengthen support. The President further stated that the Government is prepared to allocate additional funds if the current amount proves insufficient.

Financial assistance was presented to beneficiaries from the Western Province during the launch. 

The initiative also includes a savings programme, with Rs. 5,000 deposited monthly into bank accounts opened for children in Child Development Centres, ensuring they have financial security when they enter society.

The President stressed that while parents, society, and the State all share responsibility for protecting children, the Government is committed to fulfilling its role by creating safe living conditions and ensuring dignity for every child. 

He urged society to strengthen its bond with children and collectively assume responsibility for their care and protection.

Full statement by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake:

Safeguarding the lives of children, the nation’s most precious asset, is the Government’s responsibility. We are fulfilling that responsibility. Children are the nation’s most precious asset. In our country, there are children who grow up under the care of their parents. Some grow up under the care of their grandparents, while others are raised in Child Development Centres. Regardless of where or under what circumstances they live, they are all our children. Parents strive to improve their children’s lives and protect them. Similarly, society seeks to provide children with proper care and protection. The Government takes measures to provide care and protection for children, meet their needs and create an appropriate environment for their well‑being. This is a responsibility of the Government.

Although these bonds remain strong from a cultural perspective, children still face circumstances that we would never wish to see. This means that we have not yet succeeded in providing children with complete protection or in creating an environment conducive to their well‑being and development. Society, the State and parents all bear a significant responsibility for protecting children. We do not believe that any child should grow up in an unsafe environment or without love and care. It is our responsibility to create an environment in which every child can live safely and with dignity, and to ensure their protection.

Through today’s programme, we seek to address one aspect of this responsibility: ensuring the wellbeing and security of young men and women who leave Child Development Centres and transition into society, as well as children living in unsafe housing conditions. Last year we provided Rs. 1 million towards a secure home. As it was found that this amount was insufficient, we increased the allocation to Rs. 2 million this year. If that too is insufficient, we are prepared to allocate further funds. This is because ensuring the future of our children is our responsibility.

With the intention of ensuring that children leaving Child Development Centres have some financial savings and an asset of their own when they enter society, we have launched a programme to open a bank account for every child in these centres and deposit Rs. 5,000 into each account every month. We have also decided to provide a home for young people who have reached the age of 18 and transitioned into society, enabling them to secure their future.

No child should be subjected to harm. As a Government, we are making a strong commitment to fulfilling this responsibility. The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs is also working with dedication towards this objective. I urge all of you, as members of society, to fulfil your responsibility in protecting and caring for our children. (Newswire)

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Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting in Colombo today with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, describing the discussions as highly productive and reaffirming the close partnership between the two countries.

Singh conveyed the greetings of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and extended congratulations on the completion of two years of President Dissanayake’s government. 

He emphasized that as “civilized twins, close neighbors, and maritime partners,” India and Sri Lanka remain committed to working together for the development of their nations and the well‑being of their people.

The Defence Minister noted that both sides had also reaffirmed their resolve to cooperate on matters of security, safety, peace, and prosperity across the region. 

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday, marking the start of a three‑day official visit that will run until September 10. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today handed over the “Navodayapuram” Housing Project to 50 families from Poonagala, Kabaragala who lost their homes in the 2023 landslide and had been living in unsafe conditions for nearly three and a half years. 

The project, constructed with the active contribution of the Sri Lanka Army Corps of Engineers, was hailed as a significant initiative to improve the living standards of the Malayagam community.

Speaking at the ceremony, the President emphasized that the people of Malayagam are equal citizens of Sri Lanka and must enjoy their full rights and dignity. 

He said it would be unjust to allow future generations to inherit the same hardships endured for centuries, and pledged that his Government is committed to ensuring a better quality of life for all citizens who contribute to the nation’s economy.

The President recalled that the Cabinet had recently decided to remove obstacles faced by Sri Lankans who fled the country during the war and are currently living in India, enabling them to return home. 

He also noted that housing construction projects have been given priority in the forthcoming Budget, and that future agreements with plantation companies will include provisions safeguarding the rights of the Malayagam community.

Highlighting the importance of environmental protection, President Dissanayake stressed the need to safeguard the Central Highlands, describing them as the “heart of the country.” 

He announced that legislation would be presented to Parliament by the end of this year or early next year to establish a Central Highlands Protection Authority with comprehensive powers, consolidating the responsibilities of all institutions tasked with protecting the region. 

He invited all citizens to join in the national responsibility of restoring and preserving the Highlands for future generations.

The President commended the Navodayapuram project as a milestone in uplifting the Malayagam community and expressed gratitude to all who contributed to its implementation, particularly acknowledging the Sri Lanka Army Corps of Engineers for their commendable role throughout the construction process. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that the Central Highlands Conservation Authority Act will be presented to Parliament either at the end of this year or at the beginning of next year, granting the new Authority full powers to protect the fragile ecosystem. 

He made the remarks while attending the ceremony to hand over the “Navodaya Housing Project” to families who lost their homes in the 2023 landslide at Punagala Kabaragala Mountain in Bandarawela.

The President said the Authority will be established with assistance from the Asian Development Bank. 

He cautioned that while it may take decades for the Central Highlands to return to their original state, immediate steps must be taken to halt the ongoing destruction.

Describing the Central Highlands as the heart of Sri Lanka, the President warned that they are being visibly destroyed, with mountain collapses, spring failures, and river blockages already evident. 

He stressed that once the Act is passed, all powers will be vested in the Central Highlands Conservation Authority to safeguard the region. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today extended greetings to Muslims in Sri Lanka and worldwide on the occasion of Mawlid‑un‑Nabi, the commemoration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.

The President described the celebration as “not merely a festival but a profound spiritual occasion, expected to inspire the creation of an equal society.” 

He highlighted the Prophet’s vision of patience, compassion, and sacrifice, which over 23 years laid the foundation for a society built on peace, brotherhood, purity, trustworthiness, and justice.

Rejecting divisions based on race, caste, color, or lineage, the Prophet taught that “true greatness is measured only by noble virtues such as truthfulness, humility, and compassion,” the President noted. He said this vision continues to guide Sri Lanka’s aspiration for a country ruled by law, fairness, equality, and coexistence.

The President also linked the Prophet’s teachings to contemporary challenges, stressing that Islam rejects substances that corrupt inner purity and social morality. 

He said the Prophet’s example provides strength to initiatives such as the government’s national campaign against narcotics, which he described as a menace threatening the motherland.

“As we journey toward a new era that values love over hatred and brotherhood over division, I firmly believe the light of the Prophet’s unparalleled sacrifice and humanity will illuminate that path,” Dissanayake said, inviting citizens to embody the Prophet’s vision, dedication, and righteous effort in their lives.

He concluded by wishing Sri Lankan and global Muslim devotees a meaningful Mawlid‑un‑Nabi celebration. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed the security forces to accelerate the release and return of lands in the Northern and Eastern Provinces that were taken over during the conflict but are no longer required for security purposes.

The directive was issued during a discussion at the Parliamentary Complex on Thursday (20) on expediting the return of private lands acquired for military camps, as well as State lands previously used by local communities.

The President stressed that national security remains paramount, noting that decisions on where military camps and other installations are required must be made by the Tri‑Forces, Police, and relevant security authorities. 

He called for a final determination on which lands can be released and which must be retained.

Emphasising a people‑centred approach, President Dissanayake urged officials to release the maximum possible extent of land to the public and to ensure livelihood opportunities accompany the return of lands.

He further directed the Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation to introduce projects incorporating modern agricultural technologies aimed at boosting productivity and creating sustainable livelihoods. (Newswire)

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The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has formally requested the Presidential Media Division to release the unedited full video recording of its discussion with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held on August 12.

In a letter dated August 14, the BASL noted that only a partial recording of the meeting has been provided so far. 

The association pointed out that the video contains only the initial portion of the discussion, with some sections where the audio is unclear.

Accordingly, the BASL has asked for the complete recording, including all interventions, observations, responses, and the final remarks delivered by its delegation. 

The association also requested that the video be supplied in the best possible audio and visual quality.

The letter, signed by BASL Administrative Secretary Surani Samarasekara, was sent to the Presidential Office. (Newswire)

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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)

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The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has expressed hope that the government will reconsider the proposed constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of judges following discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya said the Association explained in detail the reasons behind the legal community’s opposition to the proposed amendment.

He said the BASL delegation included President’s Counsel, former BASL presidents, academics and other legal experts, including Prof. Savitri Goonesekere and Lal Wijenayake.

Amarasuriya said the President also explained his position and views during what he described as a good and frank discussion.

The BASL’s final request was that a change of this nature should only be made following a broad expert consultation involving not only the legal profession but also academics, researchers and others who have studied the issue.

He stressed that the BASL’s position was not directed against any individual and should not be viewed as a confrontation.

“This is not a fight against anyone,” he said, adding that both sides had presented their respective views during the meeting.

Amarasuriya said the BASL hoped the discussion would lead to a wider consultation and eventually allow the proposed amendment to be reconsidered before a final decision is reached.

Responding to questions over personal attacks directed at judges amid the controversy, Amarasuriya said the BASL did not support personal criticism or attacks against anyone.

Asked whether the two sides had reached an agreement, he said no such conclusion had been reached, but expressed optimism following the talks.

Amarasuriya noted that amending the Constitution was within the government’s powers, while the BASL also had the right to express its opposition if it believed such a move was wrong.

He said the BASL expected the President, as a mature political leader who had long advocated for the rule of law and judicial independence, to carefully consider the concerns raised.

“I hope that after today’s discussion, this will move in a positive direction,” Amarasuriya said. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with a senior delegation from China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC), led by Zhang Bingnan, at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday (11) to review ongoing projects and explore future investment opportunities centered on Colombo Port City.

The Chinese representatives highlighted that the President’s forward‑looking programmes and policies have become a key driver in attracting foreign investment. 

They expressed confidence in the Government’s current programme of work, noting that it has encouraged CCCC to consider further significant investments in Sri Lanka.

Delegates also conveyed interest in expanding into renewable energy, trade and logistics, and digital services, stressing Sri Lanka’s potential to position itself as a regional hub in these sectors. 

They assured that 90% of the workforce for their projects would be sourced locally, creating substantial employment opportunities for Sri Lankans.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Anil Jayantha Fernando, Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Senior Economic Adviser Duminda Hulangamuwa, Senior Additional Secretary Roshan Gamage, Chairman of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Harsha Amarasekera PC, and senior officials from CCCC and its subsidiaries including CHEC. (Newswire)

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A special discussion is scheduled to take place tomorrow (12) between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) on the government’s proposal to raise the retirement age of judges. 

The Presidential Secretariat announced that the meeting will be held at 1.00 pm tomorrow. 

The talks come in the wake of the government’s proposal to extend the  retirement age of judges.

The Government gazetted the Judicature (Amendment) Bill on August 7, which seeks to amend the Judicature Act, No. 2 of 1978. The Bill proposes to increase the maximum number of High Court Judges from 110 to 120, while raising the retirement age of High Court Judges from 61 to 63 years. 

It also stipulates that the retirement age of all other judges and magistrates will be fixed at 62 years, notwithstanding existing provisions under the Public and Judicial Officers (Retirement) Ordinance.  

The BASL has already expressed strong opposition to the government’s move. At a special general meeting held on July 29, BASL members unanimously rejected the proposal to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court judges, warning that it posed a serious threat to judicial independence. 

The Cabinet had approved the measure on July 27 despite objections from the BASL, the Judicial Service Association, several President’s Counsel, and political parties. (Newswire)

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