⚖️ MP Dayasiri Petitions CIABOC Over Judges' Retirement Age Plan

• CIABOC Complaint: Opposition MP and Attorney-at-Law Dayasiri Jayasekara has filed a petition with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against the Cabinet of Ministers. • Allegations: The petition asserts that the Cabinet's proposal to extend judges' retirement ages via a constitutional amendment constitutes unlawful "gratification", "favour", or "benefit", violating Sections 93, 100, 104, and 111 of the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023. • Judicial Independence & Conflict of Interest: Jayasekara argues the extension threatens judicial independence and the separation of powers, creating a direct conflict of interest if Supreme Court judges must adjudicate on legislation that directly benefits them. • Legal Rationales Questioned: The petition claims the plan is unjustified by court administration, noting that case backlogs are concentrated in Magistrates' and District Courts rather than higher courts. • Requested Actions: • Conduct a preliminary inquiry under Section 42 of the Anti-Corruption Act. • Examine Cabinet papers, official records, and question relevant officials from the Ministry of Justice and Legal Draftsman's Department. • Direct the Government of Sri Lanka to halt the proposed constitutional amendment pending investigation.