📲 Organised Social Media Trolling Targets Opponents of Judicial Retirement Age Extension

• Rising Online Harassment: Concerns are growing over organised social media campaigns, threats, and intimidation aimed at deterring public scrutiny and silencing critics of recent Sri Lankan Government decisions. • Legal & Religious Bodies Targeted: Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) President Rajeev Amarasuriya and the Church of Ceylon (Anglican Church of Sri Lanka) have faced online attacks after voicing strong opposition to the Cabinet's move to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges. • Risks to Judicial Independence: Critics and religious leadership warn that amending judicial retirement ages could compromise the independence and impartiality of the judiciary while undermining the rule of law. • Political & Democratic Context: The ruling NPP is facing criticism for relying on organised digital supporters to intimidate opponents, mirroring tactics of previous administrations and raising broader concerns regarding governance, institutional integrity, and democratic debate.