Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has proposed establishing a Parliamentary Select Committee to investigate court case backlogs and judicial challenges, while raising concerns about government-proposed amendments to judge retirement ages.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for the creation of a Parliamentary Select Committee to address significant delays plaguing Sri Lanka's court system and examine broader judicial reforms. According to Premadasa, the country currently faces a backlog of approximately 11 lakh cases, prompting his proposal to investigate efficiency improvements and strengthen the judicial framework.
Premadasa's initiative comes amid controversy surrounding government-proposed amendments to the retirement age of judges. He has alleged that key stakeholders, including the judiciary and legal profession, were not adequately consulted before these amendments were introduced, creating uncertainty about the changes. The Opposition Leader stressed that any modifications to judicial structures must involve comprehensive discussion among legal experts and legislators before implementation.
As part of the consultation process, Premadasa indicated that the Bar Association of Sri Lanka was invited to brief Members of Parliament on the proposed amendments on Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. He requested the Speaker's support in facilitating a full briefing for all 225 MPs, ensuring that lawmakers understand the implications of the proposed changes before taking any action.
Premadasa emphasized that the proposed Parliamentary Select Committee would serve to strengthen judicial independence, uphold the rule of law, and support democratic governance. His submission to the Speaker reflects broader concerns about maintaining proper institutional checks and balances while addressing the systemic challenges affecting court operations.
