Referendum needed on Supreme Court judges’ tenure: Namal

Colombo, July 26 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and MP Namal Rajapaksa said any proposal to extend the tenure of Supreme Court judges should be decided by the people through a referendum.

Addressing a public gathering, Rajapaksa said that if the government considered extending the retirement age of Supreme Court judges a national priority, it should seek public approval through a referendum.

Referring to the proposed constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court judges, he claimed the government was prioritising the issue despite opposition from legal bodies.

Rajapaksa also alleged that the government had lost the people's trust by failing to fulfil its election promises and by imposing an unfair tax burden amid the rising cost of living.

He claimed that farmers, fishermen, students, businesses and investors were facing hardships due to fertiliser shortages, rising food prices, high taxes and increasing utility costs.

Rajapaksa further criticised the government's handling of crime, alleging that organised criminal activity continued despite repeated assurances from the authorities. He also claimed prisons were becoming overcrowded because of delays in forensic reports and court proceedings.

He urged supporters to strengthen the SLPP at the grassroots level, saying the party aimed to build a modern political movement capable of meeting the aspirations of the country's younger generation.