The Mahanayake Thera of Malwatta Chapter has expressed concern over the lack of response from the President's office regarding a letter submitted by senior Buddhist clergy about proposed changes to judges' retirement age.
The Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Mahanayake Thera, head of the Malwatta Chapter of the Siyam Nikaya, stated that no acknowledgment has been received from the President regarding correspondence sent by Buddhist leadership on the matter of extending judges' retirement age. Speaking at a meeting with representatives from a human rights organisation in Kandy, the religious leader noted the absence of any formal communication from the President's office, including confirmation of receipt.
The Mahanayake Thera emphasised that advising national rulers on important matters has been a longstanding practice of the Maha Sangha, conducted through both verbal and written channels throughout history. He highlighted that such communications have typically been acknowledged in the past, making the current silence noteworthy.
During the same gathering, Subhashana Subbavikrama, Executive Director of the human rights organisation, offered a comparative perspective on the proposed policy. According to Subbavikrama, numerous countries internationally permit judges to continue serving beyond age 60, suggesting that implementing similar measures in Sri Lanka would align with international practice and would not create difficulties.
The exchange reflects ongoing discussions within Sri Lanka regarding judicial tenure and retirement provisions, with religious and civil society organisations seeking to engage with the government on the proposal.
