Colombo, Aug. 12 (Daily Mirror) - SJB MP Sujeewa Senasinghe on Wednesday (12) made public a letter sent by the Chief Prelates of Sri Lanka’s three Buddhist Chapters to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, urging the Government not to proceed with the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution to extend the retirement age of superior court judges.
Speaking at a media briefing, Senasinghe said he had obtained a copy of the letter and decided to make its contents public amid recent political discussion surrounding the proposed amendment.
According to the letter, the Chief Prelates pointed out that the Constitution currently sets the retirement age at 63 for Court of Appeal judges and 65 for Supreme Court judges.
“We believe that it is not appropriate for the Government to act in this manner to increase those age limits,” the letter states, according to the section released by Senasinghe.
The Chief Prelates urged the Government to reconsider the proposed amendment, expressing concerns over any move to extend the retirement age of superior court judges.
Chamath Wednesday, 12 August 2026 08:36 AM
If the country's decisions are made by the Chief Prelates, why do people need to have elections?
Cheers Wednesday, 12 August 2026 09:25 AM
Welldone sujeewa public should know
Rajan Wednesday, 12 August 2026 09:53 AM
When there is no age limit for MPs, priest etc why are they worried about judges age limit being increased by a few years.
Patriot Wednesday, 12 August 2026 09:56 AM
If so, then would it be timely to implement an age limit for these prelates too who enjoy limitless privileges and stay glued to their positions for good ? It is sad they have to make politically sensitive statements instead of practicing silence hindering meaningful efforts for speeding up thousands of court cases taking generations for settlement. Equally disappointing is, their apparent readiness in entertaining and endorsing the desires of architects who were responsible for the disastrous political culture that brought Sri Lanka to its knees.
saman Thursday, 13 August 2026 05:27 AM
Sorry putha Wednesday, 12 August 2026 10:31 AM
So are you saying when the prelate says it has to be put into effect even if it’s not right
WHAT IS ALL THE FUSS ABOUT? Wednesday, 12 August 2026 12:13 PM
Sorry, but the Prelates have nothing to do with politics and should go about taking care of those who follow their faith and see that the needy gets the help they need. The PRESIDENT/NPP GOVT ARE GOVERNING THE COUNTRY NOT THE PRELATES, OPINIONS CAN BE GIVEN BUT THE PRESIDENT/NPP GOVT WILL MAKE DECISIONS AND THEY ARE THERE TO STAY. SHORTAGE OF DOCTORS/SPECIALISTS ARE IN SHORT AVAILABILITY AND WE ARE SURE THAT ALL THOSE WHO FALL INTO THE BRACKET OF EXTENSION OF AGE TO PRACTICE WOULD TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO STAY ON AND SERVE THE COUNTRY AND ITS PEOPLE, AS THAT IS WHY THEY STUDY HARD AND GET THEIR END UP WHERE THEY ARE TODAY. WE THANK EACH AND EVERY HEALTH PROFESSIONAL AND MAY BLESSING POUR ON THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES.
NAMOLA NIKAYA Wednesday, 12 August 2026 12:32 PM
The government’s proposal to increase the age limit for the Chief Justice and other Justices has a well-founded basis and should be considered on its merits, provided that it is guided by constitutional principles, transparency, and the public interest. Judicial reforms should be based on sound reasoning rather than political pressure or personal interests. Religion should remain separate from politics. The clergy have an important role in serving the spiritual needs of the people, but political and judicial matters should be handled through the proper constitutional and legal processes. Above all, the rule of law must apply equally to everyone. No one is above the law—regardless of position, title, influence, or religious status.
Subramaniam Poopal Wednesday, 12 August 2026 12:34 PM
When a democratically elected government introduces an amendment to an existing law in the interest of the general public, why does anyone object to it? Considering the situation in the country, where law and order is taken by every dick tom and Harry to manipulate according to their wishes, the government has to exercise its authority entrusted by the majority of the people of the country. Logically, extending the retirement period of the lawmakers is not against the Law.
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