Opposition Unites Under Ranil and Sajith to Defend Judicial Independence
26-Jul-2026.
All opposition parties have resolved to oppose any attempt by the Government to undermine the independence of the judiciary.
The decision was reached at a special meeting held on July 23, at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in Colombo under the theme, "Opposition Unity to Protect Democracy, the Rule of Law and Judicial Independence." The meeting was jointly led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The discussion focused on the Government's reported move to increase the retirement age of judges, which opposition parties claim could be used to interfere with the independence of the judiciary.
The participating parties agreed that if the Government proceeds with the proposal, they would launch a strong public campaign and organise protests with the support of the people.
The meeting drew considerable political attention as it marked the first occasion since the 2019 Presidential Election that Ranil Wickremesinghe and Sajith Premadasa appeared together on a common platform.
Former President Maithripala Sirisena had also been invited but did not attend. No representatives of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) were present either.
Among those who attended were UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena, General Secretary Thalatha Atukorale, SLPP National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa, General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam, Tamil Progressive Alliance leader Mano Ganesan, Deputy Leaders P. Radhakrishnan and Palani Digambaram, Ceylon Workers' Congress General Secretary Jeevan Thondaman, National Freedom Front leader Wimal Weerawansa, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya leader Udaya Gammanpila, Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, Ramanathan Archchuna, Rauff Hakeem, Kader Mastan, Ravi Karunanayake, Prof. G. L. Peiris, Mahinda Amaraweera, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Tiran Alles, Dilith Jayaweera, and several other opposition representatives.
Addressing the gathering, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe commended Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa for bringing together all political parties represented both inside and outside Parliament.
He stressed that, in addition to political parties, the participation of the Maha Sangha and legal professional bodies would help establish a broad national consensus. He also said the Opposition should provide constructive proposals and support to resolve delays within the judicial system.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that throughout history, both locally and internationally, attempts to weaken or interfere with judicial independence had ultimately resulted in changes of government.
He alleged that the present Government was attempting to interfere with the judiciary, but pledged that all democratic and progressive forces would unite to defeat such efforts. Despite political differences, he said, all parties should work together to safeguard democracy, uphold judicial independence, and protect the sovereignty of the people.
