Sri Lanka's Joint Opposition claims senior Buddhist Mahanayakes have written to President Dissanayake opposing a proposed constitutional amendment that would extend the retirement age of superior court judges.

The Joint Opposition stated yesterday that the Mahanayake Theras representing four major Buddhist chapters have submitted a letter to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressing their opposition to a proposed constitutional amendment regarding judge retirement ages. According to Prof. G.L. Peiris, convenor of the Joint Opposition, the religious leaders made their position clear at a meeting held in Kandy over the weekend.

Prof. Peiris alleged that while the Mahanayakes' concerns were made public on August 3rd, the government has remained silent on the matter and has not even acknowledged receipt of their letter. He emphasized that the administration should respond to such significant concerns raised by the Buddhist leadership, arguing that the issue carries substantial weight for the country.

The Opposition plans to formally petition the Supreme Court requesting that all remaining judges hear cases challenging the proposed 22nd Amendment. According to Prof. Peiris, the Supreme Court originally comprised 17 judges, but retirements have reduced this number to 13, with another judge scheduled to retire on September 2nd. He contended that having all 12 remaining judges hear the petitions would be the fair approach, rather than allowing a selected group to adjudicate on a matter of such national importance.

Prof. Peiris reiterated the Opposition's commitment to preventing passage of the amendment, framing the issue as one that would fundamentally affect the country's future. The exact nature of the proposed retirement age extension and the government's rationale for the amendment were not detailed in available statements.