Anura Who Took to Streets for Shirani Abeysekera Has Disappeared: Mano Ganesan

10-Aug-2026

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Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who once joined us on the streets in support of former Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake and in defence of the independence of the judiciary, has disappeared today. The same person, now serving as President, is attempting to undermine the independence of the judiciary that he once fought to protect, Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) leader and Parliamentarian Mano Ganesan alleged.

He made these remarks while speaking at a media briefing held in Colombo on August 8, 2026.

He further said:

“Under the laws of nature, no one can extend a person’s age or lifespan. That is a natural law. Yet the Government is now focusing heavily on extending the retirement age or tenure of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges.

“The Government is preparing to introduce the 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill, claiming that more than one million cases are pending before courts across the country.

“If the Government genuinely wants to expedite the disposal of this large backlog of cases, it should immediately take steps to fill the approximately eight vacancies currently existing in the higher judiciary. Given this reality, the Government’s decision to extend only the tenure of judges it favours, rather than filling the vacancies, raises serious questions about its true intentions.

“The majority of cases pending in the country are not before the higher courts but before Magistrates’ Courts and District Courts. Even judges serving in the lower courts have expressed their opposition to the Government’s move in writing.

“The main reasons for delays in court proceedings include inadequate infrastructure, insufficient staff and office assistants, delays in receiving chemical analysis reports, and inadequate buildings and courtroom facilities.

“Without addressing these fundamental issues, attempting to extend the tenure of Supreme Court judges is nothing more than a drama intended to mislead the public.

“It is deeply regrettable that Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who as a Member of Parliament in the past stood shoulder to shoulder with us in the struggle to protect the independence of the judiciary, is now, as the holder of the country’s highest office, taking decisions that threaten the independence of the same judiciary.

“The Anura Kumara Dissanayake who once raised his voice for justice has completely disappeared today.

“Serious doubts have arisen among the public regarding the Government’s moves on this issue. People have begun openly questioning whether the Government is attempting to retain judges favourable to it in senior positions in order to advance its political interests and hidden agendas.

“Even the Mahanayake Theras, who represent the highest religious leadership in the country, have expressed their opposition to this proposal and urged the Government to abandon it immediately. Similarly, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka and the judges’ associations have strongly opposed the move.

“This is not merely a political protest or criticism by the Opposition. It is the voice of all those who wish to protect the independence of the country’s judiciary.

“Several Government ministers and Members of Parliament are facing cases before the courts, while certain legal issues relating to the Colombo Municipal Council are also pending. It is against this backdrop that the Government is seeking such shortcuts.

“Therefore, without further damaging the country’s reputation, the Government must immediately withdraw this proposed constitutional amendment, which has created widespread public opposition and suspicion,” he said.