Attorney Sanjaya Nallaperuma emphasized that people’s sovereignty does not belong to a small, select group.
He made these observations while participating in a press conference organized by the ‘Lawyers for People’s Mandate’ (Janavaramaye Nithignayo) in Colombo on the 28th.
Further elaborating his views, Attorney Sanjaya Nallaperuma stated:
“Since educated individuals are actively engaged in discussions regarding the proposed constitutional amendment, let me offer a brief perspective on its objective. Anyone has the right to oppose this amendment. However, along with the right to oppose, the genuine and specific reason for doing so must also be stated. Yet, none of the parties currently opposing it have presented concrete reasons for their stance.
Those who oppose this acknowledge the people’s sovereignty guaranteed by the Constitution. Under Article 4(III), sovereignty is clearly defined. People’s sovereignty is not confined to a very small group—it does not belong solely to the Bar Association or a group within the opposition. Far more significantly, sovereignty resides with the over 20 million citizens of this country. The judicial power of the people belongs to the people themselves. Therefore, as the ultimate outcome of all these measures, the benefit of expediting court trials goes directly to the public. The proposal to increase the retirement age of judges stands as an extension of ongoing initiatives such as introducing digitalization, establishing new courts, and appointing new judges. Creating a phantom or scaremongering over this matter only undermines the people’s sovereignty.
What the public anticipated has taken place through changes in the legislature. Today, all members of parliament in the government conduct themselves like ordinary citizens. Is that not a system change? Furthermore, look at how much the President within the executive branch has transformed. Likewise, these necessary amendments must be carried out within the judiciary. Raising the retirement age limit of judges is being conducted lawfully and aligns with what the public expects. Failing to do so would truly destroy the sovereign power of the people.
This amendment must be viewed from the perspective of the citizens. It is clear to us that certain forces are raising objections to accelerating the judicial process and expediting trials. However, if we do not enact this amendment on behalf of over 20 million people, we would be acting against the people’s mandate. The extensive experience of judges in the superior courts is vital for delivering accurate decisions in the administration of justice.”
