Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has strongly criticized the government's proposal to alter judges' retirement ages, characterizing it as an attempt to compromise judicial independence and strengthen executive control over the courts.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has launched a direct challenge to the government's proposed constitutional amendment regarding judges' retirement age, contending that the measure would fundamentally compromise the independence of the judiciary. Premadasa argued that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's administration received a public mandate to reform the executive presidency and strengthen democratic institutions, not to alter judicial structures in ways that could concentrate power within the executive branch.
In his critique, Premadasa emphasized that democratic governance depends on the separation of powers among the legislature, executive, and judiciary, supported by a system of checks and balances. He warned that tampering with the judiciary's independence would weaken one of democracy's three foundational pillars and undermine public confidence in the courts' credibility and integrity. The Opposition Leader referenced French political philosopher Montesquieu's foundational work on governance principles to underscore his position.
Premadasa characterized the government's approach as potentially opening pathways toward authoritarian rule despite campaign promises of systemic reform and democratic strengthening. The Samagi Jana Balawegaya party, which Premadasa leads, has pledged to oppose the amendment and mobilize efforts to protect judicial independence. According to Premadasa, proceeding with the amendment despite these democratic concerns represents a troubling contradiction to the administration's stated reform agenda.
