22A: Opp. demands all available SC judges hear petitions

Former External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris addressed the media and stated that the Supreme Court bench for hearing petitions against the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution should include all 13 sitting justices. He emphasized that the decision on petitions seeking a referendum should be made by the entire judicial body.

Prof. Peiris pointed out that two previous Supreme Court judgments had highlighted the need for any changes to retirement ages of superior court judges to be put to a referendum. He noted that the Constitution specifies the Supreme Court comprises 17 justices, including the Chief Justice, while the Court of Appeal has 20 justices, including its President.

Prof. Peiris dismissed concerns that the 22nd Amendment was intended to influence superior court judges, asserting their confidence that the government could not sway the judiciary. He criticized the government for proceeding with the amendment despite a strong warning from the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Margaret Satterthwaite, who urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to halt the process or face consequences.

Prof. Peiris warned that the government's move could inflict significant harm on the nation and bolster UN investigations into unsubstantiated war crimes allegations against Sri Lanka. He contended that the ruling party's actions undermined public trust in the judiciary, a trust that would be difficult to regain.