⚖️ Opposition Slams President Over Alleged Judicial Interference

A coalition of 26 Opposition MPs, led by Sajith Premadasa, has issued a joint statement accusing President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of undermining the independence of the judiciary following remarks made at a May Day rally. • Core Allegation: Lawmakers claim the President’s call for supporters to "prepare to applaud" a court verdict due on May 25 suggests the Executive may have prior knowledge of judicial outcomes. • Constitutional Concerns: The group described the statement as a "serious threat" to the rule of law, noting that judicial authority derives from the people and the Constitution, not political leadership. • Key Signatories: High-profile figures including Dr. Harsha de Silva, Rauff Hakeem, and Dilith Jayaweera warned that such rhetoric risks eroding public confidence in one of Sri Lanka’s most trusted democratic institutions. • Demand for Action: The Opposition has called for an immediate withdrawal of the remarks, urging the Government to refrain from commentary on active judicial proceedings to maintain democratic governance.