Wednesday Jun 24, 2026
Wednesday Jun 24, 2026
Wednesday, 24 June 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
A group of Opposition MPs handing over a letter to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne calling for an urgent debate on the state of the judiciary before Parliament convened yesterday
Parliament was briefly adjourned yesterday after tensions flared between the Government and the Opposition over a request for an urgent debate on judicial vacancies and proposed changes to the retirement age of judges.
Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne suspended proceedings for 10 minutes after a heated exchange erupted in the Chamber following the Government’s decision not to accommodate the Opposition’s request for a debate during the day’s sitting.
Earlier, Opposition MP Ajith P. Perera informed Parliament that 20 Opposition MPs had submitted a letter to the Speaker seeking a debate on vacancies in the judiciary and the proposed increase in the retirement age of judges.
Responding on behalf of the Government, Leader of the House and Minister Bimal Rathnayake said the request could not be accommodated as the ongoing debate could not be interrupted due to a vote scheduled at the conclusion of the day’s proceedings.
Rathnayake stated that while Parliament could vote on the matter, there was insufficient time to conduct the debate sought by the Opposition during the current sitting.
The Government’s position drew strong objections from Opposition members, with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, as well as MPs Harsha de Silva and Dayasiri Jayasekera, voicing their dissatisfaction.
As tensions persisted, Speaker Wickramaratne adjourned the sitting for 10 minutes before proceedings resumed.
Earlier, Opposition MPs have called for an urgent parliamentary debate on what they describe as mounting structural challenges within Sri Lanka’s judicial system, warning that prolonged vacancies and administrative shortcomings are undermining the efficient delivery of justice.
In a letter handed over to Speaker of Parliament on Monday, Opposition legislators requested an adjournment debate under Standing Order 19(1), arguing that the issue had become a matter of urgent public importance.
The MPs contended that vacancies across institutions involved in the administration of justice had created significant operational difficulties, affecting their ability to function efficiently, independently and effectively.
According to the letter, the resulting strain has contributed to growing case backlogs and delays in court proceedings, raising concerns about the timely dispensation of justice and access to legal remedies for the public.
The Opposition further warned that prolonged delays risk eroding public confidence in the justice system and could develop into a broader societal concern if left unaddressed.
Against this backdrop, the MPs urged Parliament to prioritise a discussion on vacancies within judicial institutions, delays in the hearing and disposal of cases, and the structural and administrative issues that have contributed to the current situation.
They also called for the formulation and implementation of swift and effective measures to address the challenges facing the judiciary.
