GL Peiris Leads Move Against Judicial Age Extension Plan

COLOMBO (News 1st) - A coalition of opposition political figures led by former minister Professor G.L. Peiris submitted a letter to the United Nations office in Colombo expressing opposition to the proposed extension of the retirement age for judges.

The delegation calling themselves the People's Joint Opposition included United National Party General Secretary Thalatha Atukorale, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna representative Premanath C. Dolawatte, Sri Lanka Freedom Party member Dr. Suren Raghavan, and former Governor Azath Salley.

Following the submission of the letter, Professor Peiris raised concerns regarding the proposed move, arguing that the initiative lacks transparency and public consultation.

Questioning the rationale behind the proposal, he asked whose interests were being served and whether such a measure should be treated as a national priority.

Professor Peiris pointed to the United Kingdom as an example of how reforms relating to judicial retirement age were handled, noting that authorities there had undertaken an extensive consultation process before reaching a final decision.

He argued that no comparable public discussion or consultation process has taken place in Sri Lanka and maintained that the government’s intentions remain unclear.