Sajith warns Government heading towards one-party rule

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has warned that the proposed extension of the retirement age of judges could undermine judicial independence and pave the way for the establishment of one-party rule in Sri Lanka.

Addressing an event held on Sunday (9) to establish the Ruwanwella branch of the Samagi Vanitha Balawegaya, Premadasa said the proposal would require a constitutional amendment and questioned why it had been made a national priority when the country was facing more pressing economic and social problems.

He said the Government should instead focus on issues including fertiliser subsidies, the rehabilitation of irrigation systems and problems in the prison sector.

Extending the retirement age of judges would do nothing to address poverty, unemployment or the economic hardships faced by the public, Premadasa said.

Instead, he alleged that the move could strengthen political control over State institutions and weaken democratic checks and balances and the independence of the judiciary.

Premadasa further alleged that the Government was already exerting pressure on the judiciary as part of a broader attempt to weaken democratic institutions and consolidate political power.

He also alleged that appointments to youth societies and civil security committees had previously been influenced by decisions taken at a political party office in Pelawatte.

The Opposition Leader said the Government could have instead introduced constitutional reforms to strengthen the rights of women, children, senior citizens and other vulnerable groups.

He said the Samagi Jana Balawegaya was prepared to work towards ensuring that the rights of such groups were constitutionally recognised as fundamental rights.

Premadasa stressed that the Government had received a mandate from the people to build a prosperous country and improve their quality of life, not to extend the retirement age of judges.

He also accused the Government of failing to adequately address the country’s economic and social problems, claiming that a significant section of the population continued to live in poverty.

He further alleged that shortages of medicines in State hospitals were forcing patients to purchase medicines from private pharmacies.

Against this backdrop, Premadasa accused the Government of seeking to consolidate political power while failing to address the pressing issues affecting the public.