🏛️ Opposition Unites Against Govt. Proposal on Judicial Retirement Age

• Political Developments: Main opposition leaders, led by Sajith Premadasa, have formed a united front to oppose the Government’s proposal to extend the retirement age of judges, citing potential risks to judicial independence and democratic governance. • Judicial & Administrative Concerns: Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted Sri Lanka's backlog of roughly 1.1 million pending court cases, arguing that extending judge tenures will not solve systemic delays. He called for a special parliamentary select committee to drive structural legal reforms. • Campaign & Mobilization: The joint opposition has conducted 5 public rallies (Kosgama, Ja-Ela, Kandy, Matara, Kurunegala) and engaged diplomats, the UN, and religious leaders. Upcoming actions include a Buddhist clergy conference, legal fraternity meetings, and grassroots expansion targeting trade unions, youth, and women. • Key Stakeholders Involved: The coalition brings together major political factions, including SJB, SLPP, SLFP, SLMC, CWC, TNPF, and Sarvajana Balaya, signaling broad political alignment on governance and rule-of-law issues.