Ranil Wickremesinghe to Attend Sajith Premadasa-Led Opposition Meeting

21-Jul-2026

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Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has confirmed his participation in a special meeting convened by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa to discuss a joint political response against the Government's proposal to extend the retirement age of judges and judicial officers by two years.

The meeting is scheduled to be held on July 23 at the Office of the Opposition Leader.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) National Organiser Tissa Attanayake said the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) had also indicated its willingness to participate. Meanwhile, the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) said the matter would be discussed at its parliamentary group meeting on Tuesday before taking a decision.

Attanayake further stated that invitations had been extended to all opposition parties, both represented and unrepresented in Parliament, including constituent parties of the United People's Alliance.

The meeting is scheduled to commence at 4.00 p.m. at the Office of the Opposition Leader.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has maintained that the Government's proposal would seriously undermine the independence of the judiciary and said the primary objective of the meeting was to formulate a coordinated political and civil campaign against the move.

As part of preparations for the meeting, Premadasa is reported to have held separate telephone discussions last week with leaders of all opposition parties, stressing the need for a united response to oppose the Government's proposal.