Buddhist religious leaders have written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressing concerns about a proposed constitutional amendment to extend judges' retirement age, prompting government clarification efforts.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has received a letter from the Chief Prelates representing Sri Lanka's three main Buddhist chapters opposing a proposed constitutional amendment that would extend the retirement age of judges, according to Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa.
The government acknowledged the religious leaders' concerns following receipt of the correspondence. In response to the objections raised, Minister Jayatissa stated that he and the Minister of Justice subsequently held meetings with the Chief Prelates to explain the details and rationale behind the proposed constitutional amendment.
Minister Jayatissa made these clarifications during the weekly Cabinet media briefing held at the Department of Government Information, addressing journalist inquiries about whether the President had received the letter from the Buddhist leadership. The statement suggests the government is attempting to address reservations held by influential religious figures regarding the judicial reform proposal.
