Government: Judge Ilanchezhiyan’s service extension was not deliberately denied

05-Nov-2025

.

The government holds great respect for former High Court Judge Manickavasagar Ilanchezhiyan and his legal service, said Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, clarifying that the decision not to extend his service was not intentional.

Responding to reporters’ questions about Ilanchezhiyan’s statement that he had written four times to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake requesting an extension without receiving any response, Jayatissa explained that the decision was based on institutional considerations.

He noted that while some judges receive extensions, such cases depend on structural requirements or the absence of eligible successors. The decision was therefore procedural, not deliberate, and the government continues to respect Ilanchezhiyan’s distinguished service.