The Mahanayake Theras of the four Buddhist chapters have written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake opposing the proposed constitutional amendment to raise the retirement age of judges, Bar Association of Sri Lanka President Rajeev Amarasuriya said on Monday.
Amarasuriya disclosed the letter to reporters after meeting the Mahanayake Thera of the Malwathu Chapter, who he said had told him the chief prelates of the Malwathu, Asgiriya, Ramanna and Amarapura chapters had jointly written to the President describing the amendment as unsuitable.
“I believe this Government has no moral right to proceed with this matter,” Amarasuriya said. “The Mahanayake Thera informed us a short while ago that the chief prelates of the Malwathu, Asgiriya, Ramanna and Amarapura Chapters have written to the President stating that this constitutional amendment is unsuitable.”
A widening front against the bill
The intervention brings the country’s senior Buddhist clergy into a dispute that has been running since June, and adds to an unusually broad coalition of objectors.
The Bar Association has opposed the amendment throughout, calling in July for the process to be halted and convening a special general meeting on the question. The Judicial Service Association’s president resigned in July over the issue, and the Church of Ceylon has also registered opposition. The Samagi Jana Balawegaya has objected to extending the Supreme Court retirement age.
The government has continued to advance the measure. The Attorney General cleared the bill on Sunday, finding it consistent with the Constitution — a step that clears the way for it to be placed before Parliament.
Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said in June that the proposal had not been taken to Cabinet at that stage.
