Chief Justice should reject 22nd Amendment to protect judicial independence: Ravi Kumudesh

15-Aug-2026

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If the Chief Justice acts independently to protect the independence of the judiciary and rejects the government’s proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, no one will be able to take action against him, said Ravi Kumudesh, Chairman of the United Professionals’ Union.

He said the Chief Justice should reject the proposed 22nd Amendment in order to safeguard his dignity and the independence of the judiciary.

Kumudesh made these remarks while participating in a press conference organised by the National Federation of Trade Unions and Workers in Colombo.

He said President Anura Kumara Dissanayake came to power promising to abolish the executive presidential system, but had now taken steps to increase the retirement age of judges without taking any action to abolish the executive presidency.

“This has established that politicians who come to power will act in their own interests. Anura Kumara Dissanayake is no exception. He too has proved to be like other politicians,” he said.

He said the government’s attempt to increase the retirement age of judges amounted to interference in the functioning of the judiciary.

“This will create a perception among the public that the judiciary is not independent. At present, there is a tradition of respecting court judgments regardless of the outcome. The government should not destroy that independence,” he said.

He added that the Chief Justice could make it clear that he would not accept any benefit that could raise doubts among the public, thereby protecting his dignity and the independence of the judiciary.

“If the Chief Justice acts independently and rejects the government’s 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, no one will be able to do anything. Therefore, we urge the Chief Justice to reject the government’s proposed 22nd Amendment, which could undermine judicial independence. This would safeguard both the independence of the judiciary and his dignity,” he said.