Opposition rallies against the government’s proposed judicial reform
Hundreds of opposition lawmakers and activists gathered at Colombo’s main railway station on Thursday September 3 to demand the withdrawal of a proposed constitutional amendment that would raise the retirement age of top judges by two years and increase the number of judges on the highest courts. Placards read “Don’t touch the judiciary” and “Stop reforms that tarnish judicial independence.” Opposition MP Ajith Perera called the measure draconian and said it had been drafted without consulting lawyers, judges, or other stakeholders, and was aimed at manipulating the judiciary for political gain; lawyers, trade unions, and rights groups have separately expressed concerns. The government rejects the criticism, saying the reform is intended to reduce court delays and will not hamper judicial independence. It was submitted to Parliament about two weeks ago by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration, needs a two-thirds majority that the ruling party holds, and has no debate date set. Unlike most items in this issue, it concerns the composition and structure of the courts rather than violence against individuals.