Opposition unites against Govt.’s judicial retirement age proposal

• Vows joint campaign

Leaders of Sri Lanka’s main Opposition political parties yesterday closed ranks against the Government’s proposal to increase the retirement age of judges, warning that the move could undermine judicial independence and pledging to mount a coordinated campaign both inside and outside Parliament.

The meeting, convened by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa at his office, brought together not only party leaders but also a broad spectrum of opposition figures, including MPs and former MPs.

The discussions focused on formulating a common opposition position against the Government’s proposal to extend the retirement age of judges, a move opposition parties claim could have implications for the independence of the judiciary.

Addressing the gathering, Premadasa alleged that attempts by Governments to interfere with judicial independence had historically ended in political upheaval.

Claiming the current administration of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was attempting to undermine the judiciary, he called on all opposition parties, regardless of political differences, to unite in defence of democracy and the sovereignty of the people.

“Whatever the differences between our parties, we must come together for the common purpose of protecting democracy and safeguarding the independence of the judiciary,” Premadasa said.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said the issue had united political parties across the opposition and had also drawn support from lawyers and members of the Buddhist clergy.

He noted that a conference of Buddhist monks had been convened for next Monday, while lawyers were scheduled to meet on Wednesday to discuss the matter.

Agreeing with the Justice Minister regarding the delay in hearing court cases, Wickremesinghe proposed that Parliament appoint a special select committee to address the country’s backlog of around 1.1 million pending cases.

He said judicial delays would not be resolved simply by extending the tenure of serving judges.

He also claimed the Government’s actions had brought together opposition parties, legal professionals and other groups that had not previously acted collectively.

“This is only the beginning,” Wickremesinghe said, expressing confidence that opposition cooperation would continue to expand.

SLPP National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa said constitutional amendments designed to benefit individuals had previously been rejected by the public and argued that extending the retirement age of judges would not resolve delays in hearing cases.

He questioned the rationale behind the proposal, saying practical reforms, rather than extending the tenure of office holders, were needed to improve the administration of justice.

SLPP member Prof. G.L. Peiris, who briefed party leaders on the activities of the joint opposition, said the alliance had successfully generated public awareness on key national issues, including the economy, elections and the judiciary.

He said the joint opposition alliance had already held five public rallies in Kosgama, Ja-Ela, Kandy, Matara and Kurunegala, while also engaging with foreign diplomats, senior Buddhist clergy and the United Nations.

Prof. Peiris said the next phase of the campaign would focus on expanding activities to the grassroots, including programs targeting trade unions, youth and women at the constituency level.

United Republic Front leader Patali Champika Ranawaka alleged that the Government was attempting to use its political authority to exert control over the judiciary and claimed judges had also faced threats.

National Freedom Front leader Wimal Weerawansa said the Government’s actions had compelled opposition parties to unite despite their political differences.

Tamil National People’s Front leader Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam said the issue should be taken directly to the public, with party leaders agreeing to intensify opposition to the proposal both within Parliament and through public mobilisation.

Among those present were former Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, SLFP Chairman Nimal Siripala de Silva, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Leader Rauff Hakeem, SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Sarvajana Balaya Leader Dilith Jayaweera, Democratic People’s Front Leader Mano Ganesan, Ceylon Workers’ Congress Leader Jeevan Thondaman, National Workers’ Union Leader Palani Digambaram and Pivithuru Hela Urumaya Leader Udaya Gammanpila. In addition, MPs Kabir Hashim, Dayasiri Jayasekara and Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, as well as former Minister Tiran Alles, were also present.