August 31, Colombo (LNW): The Joint Opposition has voiced concern that the government could seek to delay the next presidential and parliamentary elections beyond the expiry of their constitutionally prescribed terms.
Speaking at a seminar held in the Galle District, Joint Opposition convenor Prof. G.L. Peiris said the government’s position on Provincial Council elections had heightened fears that a similar approach could eventually be taken towards national elections.
He argued that the country had reason to remain vigilant, particularly in view of statements by certain government ministers suggesting that the administration intended to remain in office for decades rather than limit itself to a single five-year term.
Against this backdrop, Prof. Peiris also questioned the proposal to increase the retirement age of judges serving in the superior courts. He said the issue should not be dismissed as insignificant, given its potential implications for the country’s constitutional framework and the independence of key institutions.
He further warned that using the proposed Twenty-Second Amendment to facilitate such a change could have serious consequences for democratic governance. In his view, the measure would further weaken what he described as the already fragile safeguards protecting democracy in the country.