SLPP urges Sajith to unite democratic parties against judge retirement extension

Colombo, July 7 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has called on Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa to convene a meeting of all democratic political parties to oppose the government's reported move to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court judges.

In a letter dated today (7), SLPP National Organiser and MP Namal Rajapaksa urged the Opposition Leader to bring together political parties to discuss what the party described as a serious threat to the rule of law and democracy.

The SLPP claimed that the government was attempting to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court judges without any acceptable justification, warning that such a move could have a significant impact on the country's judicial independence and democratic process.

The party also said that the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), the Law Association for Asia and the Pacific and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association had already expressed concern or opposition over the proposal.

Stating that all parties committed to democracy and the rule of law should take a united stand, Rajapaksa requested Premadasa to convene an all-party meeting, inviting leaders of all political parties represented in Parliament, as well as other political leaders considered appropriate.

The SLPP said it hoped the Opposition Leader would give immediate attention to what it described as an important national issue.