The government’s refusal to allow a parliamentary debate on matters relating to the judiciary prompted an urgent meeting of opposition MPs today at the Opposition Leader’s Office in Parliament, chaired by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

At the previous party leaders’ meeting, the opposition had requested a debate grounded in democratic principles, the Tripartite System of Government (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary), the Separation of Powers, and Checks and Balances, but the government did not agree. 

Opposition MPs have stressed that issues affecting judicial independence must be openly debated in Parliament, warning that denying such discussion undermines democratic governance. 

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said the refusal to permit debate on judicial matters was a blow to democratic principles, and discussed with MPs the parliamentary and political steps to be taken next.

Among those present were MPs Rohini Wijerathna, Chithral Fernando, V. Radhakrishnan, Chaminda Wijesiri, Gayantha Karunathilaka, J.C. Alawathuwala, Sujith Sanjaya Perera, Kavinda Jayawardena, Chathura Galappaththi, Kabir Hashim, Ravi Karunanayake, M.S.A. Wazeed, Rohana Bandara, W.H.M. Dharmasena, B. Ariyawansa, Dayasiri Jayasekara, Anuradha Jayaratne, Harsha de Silva, Rishad Bathiudeen, Rauff Hakeem, Archchuna Ramanathan, Nizam Kariapper, M.S. Uthumalebbe, Chanaka Madugoda, Suranga Ratnayake, and Selvam Adaikkalanathan. (Newswire)

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The Opposition has formally handed over a no‑confidence motion against Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne in Parliament today (21).

The Opposition confirmed the move, noting that the submission was made with the signatures of several Opposition MPs, marking a coordinated challenge to the Minister’s position.

The motion comes in direct response to the Negombo Prison unrest on July 5 and 6, where clashes left a number of prison officers and inmates dead and several others seriously injured. 

The Opposition argues that Minister Nanayakkara failed to fulfill his responsibility and accountability for ensuring the safety of those in custody.

According to the motion, the Minister has not properly carried out duties entrusted to him under Extraordinary Gazette No. 2412/08 of November 25, 2024, which include formulating and implementing policies on prison reforms, administration and rehabilitation, developing prison infrastructure, and reducing congestion. 

These lapses, the Opposition claims, directly contributed to the crisis. (Newswire)

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Representatives of the Democratic United Opposition met with Marc‑Andre Franche, the UN Resident Coordinator, today (15) to brief him on what they described as critical issues facing Sri Lanka.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Professor G.L. Peiris said the opposition had conveyed strong objections to the government’s proposed judicial reforms.

“No one in Sri Lanka has asked for these reforms. The legal community, civil society, magistrates, and parliamentarians are all opposed. Whose wish is this being carried out for?” he asked.

He criticized the lack of transparency, noting that the government had not issued any clear statement on the nature or purpose of the reforms. He contrasted this with the UK’s 2021 reform process, which involved public consultations and over 1,200 responses before decisions were finalized.

Peiris added that extending the tenure of judges without similar consideration for other professionals, such as specialist doctors, was discriminatory and violated Article 12(1) of the Constitution.

“Instead of solving the country’s pressing problems, the government is creating unnecessary complications,” he said.

Also speaking to reporters, former minister Suren Raghavan said the opposition had also raised concerns about the Negombo Prison riot, which left 33 people dead, including 10 officials. 

He noted that while a three‑member committee led by Justice Priyantha Jayawardena had been appointed, no interim report or official statement had been released even ten days after the incident.

Raghavan questioned the use of live ammunition instead of minimum force measures such as rubber bullets or tear gas. “International practice requires minimum force. Why was that not applied here?” he asked.

He criticized the government’s silence, saying it had offered only vague statements while public expectations remained high. He also pointed out that many ruling party MPs lacked grassroots political experience, raising doubts about their ability to respond effectively to cultural and social realities.

Referring to the deaths at Negombo Prison, Raghavan stressed the importance of protecting the right to life, a principle recognized internationally and by the UN Council.

“If even one innocent person is punished, it is far more dangerous than letting a thousand guilty go free,” he said.

Both Peiris and Raghavan emphasized that the public had expected a system change from the government, ensuring rule of law, economic stability, food security, transport facilities, and structured education. 

They rejected violent protests and strikes, insisting that democracy in the 21st century must be based on consultation, participation, and listening to the people.

Raghavan appealed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the government, stating, “Democracy today means consultation and participation. My request and pressure is for the leadership to adopt such a democratic framework for the good of the country.” (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, together with Opposition MPs, today signed a No‑Confidence Motion (NCM) in Parliament against Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara.

The move comes in response to the unrest at Negombo Prison, where both prison officers and inmates were killed.

Opposition members said the Minister had failed to fulfill his responsibility and accountability regarding their safety.

According to the Opposition group, the NCM seeks to hold the Minister directly accountable for lapses in ensuring protection within the prison system. (Newswire)

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The Opposition staged a protest in Parliament today, wearing black bands over the recent Negombo Prison unrest. 

They demanded that the government take responsibility for the 27 deaths reported in the clashes. 

Twenty‑seven individuals, including prison officials and inmates, were killed during the unrest at Negombo Prison on July 6. (Newswire)

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Several opposition politicians on Monday called for an independent and transparent investigation into the Negombo Prison violence, demanding accountability from both political leaders and senior officials while warning of international repercussions over the incident.

Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo, former Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris described the incident as a grave violation of Sri Lankan and international law, saying it breached constitutional protections and several international human rights conventions to which Sri Lanka is a party.

Peiris questioned who ordered the deployment of prison intelligence officers from Colombo to Negombo after the situation had reportedly begun to stabilize and who authorised the use of live ammunition, noting that some victims had sustained gunshot injuries.

He said Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara should resign from the entire Justice Ministry after accepting responsibility for the incident, arguing that accepting responsibility without stepping down had no meaning.

Peiris also questioned why the Negombo Prison had reportedly operated for more than a year without a permanent Commissioner General of Prisons and accused senior ministry officials of failing to implement recommendations made by the Human Rights Commission regarding the appointment.

He further alleged that the government’s focus had shifted away from pressing issues such as prison management and public safety towards efforts to amend the Constitution to extend the retirement age of senior judges.

UNP General Secretary Thalatha Athukorala also called for accountability, saying responsibility extended beyond the Justice Minister and that the government could not justify the deaths by citing prison overcrowding or dengue-related issues. She said authorities had failed to properly monitor prison conditions despite repeated warning signs.

Former Governor Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon said the prison crisis had been aggravated by the increasing use of remand detention, claiming that bail was being opposed in a growing number of cases and that remanding suspects had effectively become a form of punishment. He argued that the sharp rise in the remand prison population had contributed significantly to overcrowding.

The opposition representatives said they intend to raise the Negombo Prison incident with foreign missions, international legal bodies and the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, arguing that the matter requires international attention while calling for the full facts behind the violence to be made public. (Newswire)

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A group of Opposition members has formally requested an urgent adjournment debate under Standing Order 19(1) in Parliament, citing the government’s responsibility for the deaths and injuries caused by the recent unrest at Negombo Prison.

In a letter dated 07 July 2026 addressed to the Speaker, Opposition MPs referenced the Hansard Report of 30 November 2020, which affirmed the state’s duty to ensure the safety of prisoners and detainees under custody.

The letter highlighted that clashes inside Negombo Prison on 05 and 06 July resulted in 26 deaths, including prison officials and inmates, and more than 100 injuries. 

The Opposition argued that the government bears full responsibility for the tragedy and urged immediate parliamentary attention. 

“Accordingly, considering the gravity and urgent nature of this matter, we kindly request you to grant an opportunity for an urgent adjournment debate under Standing Order 19(1) to bring this matter to the urgent attention of Parliament,” the Opposition requested. (Newswire)

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Opposition MPs signed a proposal today (26) requesting an adjournment debate in Parliament on the prolonged vacancies in Sri Lanka’s superior courts.

The proposal, submitted under Standing Order 83(1), calls for a debate on the impact of leaving more than eight vacancies in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal unfilled for over six months. 

The Opposition said the debate would focus on the effect of the vacancies on the rule of law, the public’s fundamental rights, and access to justice, while urging action to fill the positions without further delay.

The signed proposal is to be forwarded to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne seeking approval for the parliamentary debate. (Newswire)

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Opposition Members of Parliament today handed over a letter to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne requesting an urgent debate on structural issues in the judicial sector, citing mounting case delays and vacancies in superior courts.

The letter, submitted under Standing Order 19(1), calls for Parliament to intervene in what MPs described as “a matter of urgent public importance.” 

They stressed that the failure to fill judicial vacancies has created serious practical problems in the efficient and independent functioning of institutions.

According to the Opposition, the backlog of cases and prolonged trial delays have now reached crisis levels, undermining public confidence in the justice system and evolving into a wider social issue.

The MPs urged that Parliament immediately debate the vacancies, case delays, and the structural and administrative challenges behind them, and take steps to implement swift and effective solutions. (Newswire)

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A group of opposition Members of Parliament has written to the Speaker of Parliament, who also serves as Chairperson of the Constitutional Council, raising concern over prolonged vacancies in Sri Lanka’s higher judiciary.

In their letter, the MPs draw attention to four unfilled vacancies in the Supreme Court and four in the Court of Appeal, stating that the positions have remained vacant for an extended period. They argue that the delay in filling these posts appears inconsistent with Article 107(1) of the Constitution, which provides for the appointment of judges of the superior courts by the President, subject to the approval of the Constitutional Council.

The MPs have requested the Constitutional Council to ascertain whether the Chief Justice has formally notified either the Council or the President regarding the existence of these vacancies. If such notification has not been made, they urge that the reasons for the omission be examined.

The letter states that the continued existence of vacancies in the superior courts may discourage eligible senior judges from expecting timely consideration for promotion and could create uncertainty regarding judicial career progression. It also raises concerns about equal protection under the law, as guaranteed by the Constitution, in the context of delayed appointments.

Beyond individual implications, the MPs warn that the vacancies are affecting the efficient administration of justice, increasing the workload on serving judges, and potentially undermining public confidence in the judicial system. They further reference Article 4(c) of the Constitution, which places responsibility on the state to ensure the effective exercise of judicial power through properly constituted courts. 

In their appeal, the opposition MPs have requested the Speaker, in his dual capacity, to bring the matter before the Constitutional Council and the President for urgent consideration. They also call for the issue to be highlighted in Parliament as a constitutional concern requiring prompt action. (Newswire)

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A group of Opposition members have written to Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena alleging a serious threat to the independence of the judiciary following remarks made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the May Day rally in Maharagama.

The group of opposition members includes former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi’s (ITAK) M.A. Sumanthiran, former MPs Asath Sally, G.L. Peiris, and Premnath C. Dolawatte, among others.

In their letter, the group points out that during his May Day speech in Maharagama, President Anura Kumar Dissanayake stated, with regard to a pending case, that the hearing had taken place on the previous day and that judgment was to be delivered on 25th May. He exhorted his listeners to be prepared to greet the judgment with warm applause.

The Opposition members described the statement as having the most significant implications for the integrity of the judiciary and the separation of powers, which are cornerstones of the country’s Constitution.

“The President purports to have previous knowledge of a judgment yet to be delivered. It is a fundamental principle of our constitutional system that justice must not only be done, but must manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done,” they said.

The letter further warned that this is a despicable attempt to put pressure on a judge in relation to a case being heard before him. 

“The gravity of the situation is enhanced by the fact that the pressure emanates from no less than the Executive President of the Republic. It cynically erodes the foundations of our legal culture and values,” they said.

The Opposition members urged the Chief Justice to consider appropriate action, stressing their collective resolve to protect the Judiciary from vicious assaults of this kind. (Newswire)

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A proposal prepared under the instructions of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, requesting a debate to condemn alleged interference by the Executive in the Judiciary, was today handed over to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne.

The proposal was handed over by Opposition Chief Organizer Gayantha Karunathilaka, together with Deputy Organizers J.C. Alawathuwala and Ajith P. Perera, and other Opposition MPs.

The proposal calls for an urgent adjournment debate in Parliament, citing remarks made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the May Day rally on May 1, where he suggested that a court ruling expected on May 25 should be “celebrated.”

Opposition legislators argue that such statements risk undermining judicial independence and public confidence in the administration of justice.

The resolution outlines the following key points:

• This Parliament unequivocally condemns any statement or conduct by members of the Executive that undermines, interferes with, or appears to interfere with the independence of the judiciary;
• This Parliament affirms its unwavering commitment to uphold the Constitution, the Rule of Law, and the doctrine of separation of powers;
• This Parliament calls upon all public office holders, including the Executive, to exercise restraint in public statements relating to pending judicial proceedings, so as to avoid any perception of influence or impropriety;
• This Parliament urges His Excellency the President to clarify his remarks and reaffirm his commitment to respecting the independence and integrity of the judiciary;
• This Parliament resolves to take all necessary steps within its constitutional mandate to safeguard the independence of the judiciary and preserve public confidence in the administration of justice.

The Opposition emphasized that the debate is essential to protect the integrity of the judiciary and to ensure that executive actions do not erode democratic governance. (Newswire)

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Opposition MPs today (05) issued a statement warning that recent remarks by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake pose a serious threat to the independence of the judiciary.

The statement referred to comments made by the President at the May Day rally, where he said he was ready to raise his hand after the court delivers its judgment on May 25. 

Opposition legislators said the remark suggested prior knowledge of a pending judgment and amounted to an attempt to bring the judiciary under the will of the executive.

“This statement is a grave threat to the independent judicial process. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done clearly and certainly,” the MPs said.

They stressed that judicial power in Sri Lanka is derived from the people and the Constitution, not from the will of any President, Minister, or political alliance. The judiciary, they noted, remains one of the few institutions that continues to enjoy public respect.

The Opposition urged the government to immediately stop making statements targeting the judiciary and called on the President to withdraw his remarks. They emphasized that the President and the government must act with respect for judicial independence both in word and deed. (Newswire)

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A tense situation arose in Parliament today (05) when the Opposition demanded an urgent debate on the US$2.5 million Treasury cyber theft.

Chief Opposition Whip MP Gayantha Karunathileke told the House that a written request had been submitted to the Speaker. 

Following the proposal, several Opposition MPs stood in their seats, pressing the government to allow the debate.

Responding, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne clarified that an urgent debate can only be held if the proposal is submitted before the session begins and approved by both the Speaker and Parliament.

A heated exchange ensued between the Speaker and Opposition MPs, after which Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake informed the chamber that the government was prepared to hold the debate today.

Minister Rathnayake announced that the government was open to holding the urgent debate from 3.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. (Newswire)

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Opposition parties in Sri Lanka have written to several international legal professional organizations, warning of grave threats to lawyers and the public amid rising violence and politicization of law enforcement.

The letter highlights a recurring pattern of shootings and killings, with more than 60 lives lost last year and nine already in 2026. It cites the daylight killing of attorney‑at‑law Buddhika Mallawarachchi and his wife near a high‑security zone on February 13.

This incident has sent shockwaves through the ranks of the legal profession in our country. The Bar Association of Sri Lanka, resorting to an extraordinary course of action after an interval of 14 years, convened a meeting of the entire membership of the Association, comprising more than 3,500 attorneys-at-law, and unanimously resolved at that meeting that all members of the profession should refrain from engaging in their professional work throughout the country on Monday, 16 February. The result of this decision was that all courts, from the Supreme Court to Magistrate’s Courts in all parts of the country, were closed on that day, and thousands of cases scheduled for hearing had to be postponed, they said.

The signatories accuse the police of irresponsibly linking the victim to criminal clients within an hour of the murder, undermining the seriousness of the attack. They warn of erosion in judicial independence, political pressure on the Attorney‑General, and threats to due process. The proposed anti‑terrorism law is described as striking at the root of democratic institutions and targeting media freedom.

For a country which has been justifiably proud of the stature and integrity of institutions responsible for the administration of justice, it is singularly disheartening that there is now, to a significant extent, erosion of an environment conducive to the proper functioning of the court system. Prevailing conditions no longer allow Bench and Bar to fulfil their duties with robust independence, bereft of fear and favour. This poses a basic challenge to the right of any accused person, enshrined in the Constitution of the country, to be represented by Counsel.

There is clear evidence of pressure brought to bear on the Attorney-General, which has the effect of politicising the exercise of the prosecutorial function, with consequent detriment to the perceived fairness of the criminal justice process. Due process, natural justice and established traditions are being cynically violated by vicious political attacks, which have taken the place of legal submissions in Courts of Law, they pointed out. 

The letter further states that the extreme politicization of the police force compromises impartial investigations, and that the government is in breach of its duty under international conventions to protect lawyers.

Rising public discontent across the spectrum is sought to be suppressed by the provisions of a proposed anti-terrorism law, which, in its present form, strikes at the very root of cherished democratic institutions and values in the country, and demonstrably infringes core obligations undertaken by Sri Lanka in international instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Directly targeted are media institutions with obvious vulnerability for owners, editors, executive staff, and media personnel at all levels.

The extreme politicization of the police force, under the leadership of an Inspector-General who has jettisoned even the appearance of detachment and objectivity, militates seriously against professionalism and impartiality in respect of criminal investigations, including the inquiry into the recent killing of a member of the legal profession.

The Government is clearly in breach of its duty to take administrative and, if necessary, legislative measures to give effect to Article 9(4) of the Luxembourg Convention, adopted by the Council of Europe, for the protection of lawyers. The Commonwealth Association on 9 July 2016 emphatically endorsed the Convention by the assertion that “If the lawyer is not protected, then no one is protected”. These salient features of a vibrant democracy are today under sustained and formidable challenge in our country, they said. 

The Opposition Parties further alleged that the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala, has failed dismally in his duty to secure the safety of citizens and to forestall the increasingly manifest deterioration of law and order in Sri Lanka.

“We would like to alert international professional bodies with regard to the grave threats to the life and safety of professionals in our country, and urge them to make suitable interventions to help us preserve a culture which we have held sacrosanct over the decades,” they added. 

The letter was signed by Opposition members, including Sajith Premadasa (SJB), Ranil Wickremesinghe (UNP), Namal Rajapaksa (SLPP), Jeewan Thondaman (CWC), Nimal Siripala De Silva (SLFP), Mano Ganesan (TPA), Dilith Jayaweera (Sravajana Balaya), and others.

The appeal has been addressed to international bodies such as the International Bar Association, Commonwealth Lawyers’ Association, International Commission of Jurists, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, urging intervention to safeguard the legal profession and democratic values in Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa convened a meeting today at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament with party leaders and Members of Parliament representing the opposition to discuss the impacts of the ongoing Middle East conflict on Sri Lanka.

In a statement, Premadasa said that during the meeting, extensive discussions were held on the military crisis unfolding in the Middle East region. 

Special focus was placed on Sri Lanka’s significant imports and exports linked to Iran and the wider Middle East, with participants highlighting the potential economic consequences. 

Attention was also directed towards safeguarding the lives of nearly one million Sri Lankan workers employed in the Middle East, he said.

Premadasa further said that the opposition leaders emphasized the need for greater government focus on ensuring their safety and protecting their employment, stressing that these issues require urgent attention. (Newswire)

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A special discussion among opposition party leaders on the prevailing military situation in the Middle East is scheduled for today (03 Mar) at the Parliament complex.

It is reported that this discussion is scheduled for this morning at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition located in Parliament under the leadership of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

According to reports, the meeting will discuss matters concerning Sri Lankans working in that region affected due to the conflicts arising in the Middle East region.

Opposition leaders are also expected to deliberate on potential implications for Sri Lanka arising from the situation and convey their observations to the government. (Newswire)

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Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stripped Pritam Singh of his title as leader of the opposition following Singh’s conviction for lying to a parliamentary committee.

The decision on Thursday came after a three-hour debate on Wednesday in parliament, where lawmakers approved a motion stating that the 49-year-old Workers’ Party secretary-general was “unsuitable” for the role. Eleven Workers’ Party lawmakers — including Singh — dissented.

“Having considered the matter carefully, I have decided that Mr. Singh’s criminal convictions, taken together with parliament’s considered view of his unsuitability, make it no longer tenable for him to continue” as opposition leader, Wong said. 

Singh’s designation “will therefore cease with immediate effect,” the prime minister continued, and invited the Workers’ Party to nominate another elected member of parliament to the position instead. “This decision is necessary to uphold the rule of law, as well as the dignity and integrity of parliament.” Singh remains a member of parliament.

The Workers’ Party confirmed it received a letter from Wong, without specifying its contents. “We will deliberate on its contents carefully through our internal processes and respond in due course,” it said.

Singapore has had more than six decades of uninterrupted rule by the People’s Action Party, with an election system critics say favors incumbents. Thursday’s move threatens to sideline a figure widely considered Singapore’s strongest opposition figure in years. The Workers’ Party will now have to weigh whether to elevate another lawmaker among its ranks, who hasn’t been implicated by the lying scandal.

“The ball is in WP’s court,” said Eugene Tan, an associate professor of law at the Singapore Management University. “I suspect they will take up the offer.”

Singh was convicted and fined last year in a matter stemming from a 2021 testimony about advice he gave to a former party lawmaker who had made false statements in parliament about a sexual assault case.

Singh has denied wrongdoing and unsuccessfully appealed his conviction. The fine fell below the threshold that would have barred him from parliament for five years, allowing him to retain his seat in the 2025 election, where his party won nearly 60% of the vote in his constituency.

He was named Leader of the Opposition after the Workers’ Party made unprecedented gains in the 2020 vote, winning 10 seats. 

“My conscience remains clear as it will forever,” Singh said during the debate Wednesday. “To that end, the law has run its course, and I accept and respect that.”

The Workers’ Party is reviewing whether Singh breached its constitution, party chair Sylvia Lim earlier told parliament. “We have our processes and the processes will take their course,” she added.

The approved motion also noted that the courts’ judgment and a parliamentary committee’s findings in Singh’s case could have “implications” for two other Workers’ Party members, Lim and vice chair Faisal Manap.

Singh and Manap were referred to the public prosecutor, but only Singh was charged. “That is something that should be dealt with separately,” said Indranee in the closing moments of the debate. “We will not take too long.” (BLOOMBERG)

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The Opposition has secured a majority of members in the key Finance Standing Committee of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), which oversees the council’s financial affairs.

During the local council’s proceedings yesterday, the opposition also secured a majority in most standing committees of the CMC.

According to reports, opposition CMC members Roy Bogahawatta, Anura Sujeewa, Taranga Athureliya, Dayakantha Perera and Arshad Nizamdeen have been elected to the Finance Committee. 

Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazar and Deputy Mayor Hemantha Weerakoon serve as ex officio members of the Finance Committee.

Commenting on the feat, CMC opposition member Riza Zarook said the joint opposition had managed to appoint members from their faction to the finance standing committee. 

“The Mayor will act as the executive, while the opposition members will function as the legislature of the Finance Standing Committee,” he added, speaking to the media. (Newswire)

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The Opposition today initiated the signing of a No-Confidence Motion against the Minister of Education, Harini Amarasuriya.

The No-Confidence Motion is being brought in view of the numerous errors related to subject matter and inappropriate content in the current government’s education reforms, as well as the failure to address these issues in a responsible manner. 

The signing took place at the Opposition Leader’s Office in Parliament under the leadership of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa. 

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa placed the first signature on the No-Confidence Motion. (Newswire)

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