‘Death blow to independence of judiciary’: Opposition Leader Sajith

11-Aug-2026

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said that, instead of creating “a prosperous country and a beautiful life”, an authoritarian and dictatorial regime is being established in the country.

He further said that the Government’s move to increase the retirement age of judges amounted to a death blow to democracy and the independence of the judiciary.

He made these remarks while addressing an event held at the Siththagallen Rajamaha Viharaya on August 9, 2026.

He further said:

“The country is currently facing a serious situation. As 30 to 40 per cent of the country’s population is living below the poverty line, economic growth has not taken place properly. Due to rising prices, unemployment and other factors, people are facing immense pressure and mental distress and are being forced to lead increasingly difficult lives.

“Although the Government came to power promising ‘a prosperous country and a beautiful life’, its main priority now appears to have become extending the retirement age of judges.

“We must strengthen the independence of the judiciary and reinforce democracy, justice and the rule of law in the country. The Government’s decision to increase the retirement age of judges is a death blow to democracy and the independence of the judiciary. It is an act that undermines the administration of justice and destroys the rule of law.

“Instead of success, failure is being created, and instead of bringing happiness to the people, a life of suffering is being created. The Government is preoccupied with changing the retirement age of judges. No action has been taken to reduce electricity tariffs by 33 per cent. Even today, people are unable to live their daily lives with genuine happiness.

“Instead of creating a prosperous country and a beautiful life, an authoritarian and dictatorial regime is being established. The independence of the judiciary has suffered a severe blow, and as an authoritarian and one-party system is being established in the country, everyone must unite to protect democracy in this democratic country.

“The Government, which is preoccupied with extending the retirement age of judges, has been unable to find solutions to the contemporary problems facing the country. When a major incident occurred at Negombo Prison, the Minister defeated the no-confidence motion brought by the Opposition. Subsequently, similar problems have arisen at Mahara, Welikada, Kuruwita and Pallansena prisons. The situation has now reached a point where this Government cannot even walk freely on the streets.

“The Samagi Jana Balawegaya did not bring the no-confidence motion out of hostility. We brought it to expose the problems within the prison system. This problem continues to exist and has been present for a long time.

“The present Government came to power in Parliament and the Presidency promising to change this system and resolve longstanding problems. However, no change has taken place in the system today.

“Just as the Opposition acknowledges the Government’s good actions when they are good, it will oppose actions that are wrong. At a time when there are many issues that need to be resolved in the country, increasing the retirement age of judges is a wrong course of action.

“The present Government came to power promising to abolish the executive presidency, but it now appears to be acting as though there is no longer any need to change the executive presidency.

“These actions of the Government have undermined public confidence in the judiciary. They have also tarnished the reputation of judges,” he said.