Sajith to unite the opposition

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has launched a special program to unite the forces of the entire opposition against the constitutional amendment that the government is preparing to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court judges, including the Chief Justice, by two years. The Opposition Leader took steps to hold a discussion, bringing together leaders of all opposition political parties represented in Parliament, against this threat to the independence of the judiciary.

Even before this decision was made, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, Asian and Commonwealth Bar Associations, District and Magistrate Court Bar Associations, as well as the Judicial Service Association, had publicly expressed their opposition to this government action.

Responding positively to a request made by Pohottuwa's National Organizer, Mr. Namal Rajapaksa, in a letter asking to include parties and organizations not represented in Parliament for this discussion, Mr. Sajith Premadasa arranged to invite all opposition factions. Accordingly, all opposition party leaders, including former Presidents Ranil Wickremesinghe and Maithripala Sirisena, were personally invited to the special meeting held at the Opposition Leader's Office.

However, some parties raised concerns regarding holding this meeting at the Opposition Leader's Office, and it was also suggested to hold it at another venue, such as a common hotel. But Mr. Sajith Premadasa firmly stood by his position, stating that the Opposition Leader's Office is not a private place but a common government property belonging to all in the opposition, and that it is the most suitable place for such a discussion. Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe also intervened and helped resolve the dispute, pointing out that gathering and discussing at the Opposition Leader's Office could send a strong message to the government.

The leaders who attended this meeting last Thursday were warmly welcomed by the Opposition Leader himself near the main entrance. Among those present were United National Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, Dinesh Gunawardena, Rauff Hakeem, Namal Rajapaksa, Ravi Karunanayake, Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, Mano Ganesan, G.L. Peiris, Palani Digambaram, Arumugam Thondaman, Patali Champika Ranawaka, Asanka Navaratne, Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Dilith Jayaweera, Wimal Weerawansa, Udaya Gammanpila, Mahinda Amaraweera, Tiran Alles, and Maithri Gunaratne. As per the initial decision regarding the main seating arrangement, former President Maithripala Sirisena had to attend a religious ceremony in Polonnaruwa, so his seat was given to SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara. A special treat from a leading hotel was also prepared for the invitees.

During the official discussion, which focused on protecting the independence of the judiciary, Mr. Sajith Premadasa emphasized that regardless of political ideologies, the opposition must stand together for democracy. Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe also pointed out that with the Maha Sangha, civil organizations, and the legal community rising against this constitutional amendment, the opposition should build a massive protest. During the discussion, Mr. Namal Rajapaksa left for another engagement, and Mr. Sagar Kariyawasam, the General Secretary of Pohottuwa, expressed his views on behalf of the party.

Although various proposals were put forward regarding massive protest marches in Colombo, parliamentary actions, and joint meetings against the government's attempt, no final decision was made. During the tea party held after the official meeting, there was a very relaxed atmosphere among the leaders. Mr. Sajith Premadasa had a friendly chat with former Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and even engaged in some lighthearted banter, inviting him to join politics in the future, as the SJB also follows a social democratic policy. It was decided there, with everyone's agreement, to vest the power to determine future actions with the Opposition Leader.

Even as the opposition organizes itself in this manner, the government has decided to proceed with the proposal to extend the retirement age of judges without backing down. Undeterred by the opposition's protests, the government remains firm in its stance to swiftly present and pass this amendment in Parliament, having already submitted the relevant concept paper to the Cabinet last week and obtained approval.