Sri Lankan opposition rallies against government’s proposed judicial reform
Opposition lawmakers and activists say the measure would weaken judicial independence as the government seeks changes to top courts and longer terms for judges.
- Hundreds of opposition lawmakers and activists gathered in Colombo on Thursday to protest proposed judicial reform legislation, demanding the government withdraw the bill they claim attempts to control the judiciary.
- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's government submitted the constitutional amendment to Parliament nearly two weeks ago, proposing to increase the number of judges on top courts and extend their retirement age by two years.
- Opposition lawmaker Ajith Perera called the amendment a "draconian" measure against the people's wishes, alleging it was created without consulting lawyers or judges to manipulate the judiciary for political gain.
- Demonstrators displayed banners reading "Don't touch the judiciary," while the government rejected criticism, asserting the measures aim to reduce court delays rather than hamper judicial independence.
- The bill requires a two-thirds majority in Parliament for passage, a threshold the ruling National People's Power party currently controls, though officials have not yet set a formal debate date.
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The Seattle TimesSri Lankan opposition rallies against government’s proposed judicial reform
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Hundreds of opposition lawmakers and activists protested in Sri Lanka’s capital Thursday to demand that the government withdraw legislation that would add top judges and allow them longer terms, calling it an attempt to control the judiciary. The demonstration comes nearly two weeks after the government of President Anura Kumara...
Associated Press News
Sri Lankan opposition rallies against government's proposed judicial reform
Hundreds of opposition lawmakers and activists in Sri Lanka have protested against a proposed constitutional amendment on judicial reform.
A protest against the proposed 22nd Constitution brought by the government for the independence of the judiciary was held at the Fort Railway Station yesterday (03) at 2 pm under the leadership of the Joint Opposition. Samagi Jana Balawegaya Leader Sajith Premadasa and party activists participated in it, while members of Parliament representing other parties as well as members of the United National Party and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party […]
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