Opposition engaged in various false propaganda against constitutional amendment move: Minister Nalinda
14-Aug-2026.
Opposition parties are engaged in various forms of false propaganda against the proposed constitutional amendment, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.
He said the Government was prepared to consider any amendments to the Bill and that anyone could challenge the proposed reforms before the Supreme Court, as long as they were pursued within the framework of the Constitution.
“Parliament will take the next steps in accordance with the Supreme Court’s determination,” he said.
Jayatissa made these remarks while speaking to the media on August 13, regarding judicial reforms and allegations made by the Opposition.
He said the Government had decided to increase the retirement age of judges in order to expedite cases that had remained pending in courts for several years and provide faster justice to the public.
“We promised during the 2024 Presidential and General Elections that we would expedite pending cases and provide relief to the people. As part of the overall reforms being introduced in the judicial sector, we have decided to increase the retirement age of around 400 judges by two years. This is not a change targeting any particular judge,” he said.
He said all religious leaders, including the Mahanayake Theras of the three Nikayas, the Cardinal, representatives of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama and Hindu religious leaders, had been briefed about the proposed amendment.
“They have properly understood the situation. Continuing to obtain the services of experienced judges is also a practice followed internationally,” he said.
He added that increasing the retirement age of judges was not the only measure being taken to reduce delays in the judicial system.
“Steps are also being taken to digitise all relevant institutions, including the Government Analyst’s Department, prisons and the Attorney General’s Department, and to fill existing vacancies,” he said.
He accused the Opposition of conducting various forms of false propaganda against the Government’s move.
“The Government is prepared to consider any amendment to this Bill. Anyone can challenge these reforms, which are being pursued within the Constitution, before the Supreme Court. Parliament will take the next steps in accordance with the Supreme Court’s determination,” he said.
