Colombo — Nearly one hundred independent professional unions and professional organisations have announced a unified campaign opposing the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment, citing concerns over its potential impact on judicial independence. The collective stance follows a high‑level discussion convened at the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) headquarters, where representatives from a wide spectrum of sectors endorsed the BASL’s position.
Among the organisations joining the initiative are the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), the Academy of Health Professionals Sri Lanka (AHP.SL), multiple public‑sector trade union federations, the National Federation of Trade Unions and Professionals (NFTUP), and independent unions representing railway, postal, teaching, and other state and private‑sector employees.
These groups have agreed to formalise their collaboration tomorrow (Monday) at 1.00 p.m. at the BASL office, where they will collectively sign a declaration outlining their opposition to the amendment and commit to coordinated action.
Not a Traditional Trade Union Struggle
Union leaders emphasised that the movement is not related to wages, allowances, or service conditions. Instead, they framed judicial independence as a fundamental safeguard for all citizens — professionals, public servants, workers, and the general public — against the misuse of state power.
They stressed that their objection is not directed at policy discussions surrounding judges’ retirement age. Rather, the core concern is the precedent created when a sitting government amends the Constitution in a manner that directly affects the tenure of incumbent judges.
“If a government trusted today creates such a precedent under the guise of good intentions, a future government that the public may not trust could inherit and exploit it,” the unions noted. “Constitutional protections must be designed to safeguard citizens from any future ruler, not merely the present one.”
Judicial Independence as Public Protection
The unions reiterated that judicial independence is not a privilege granted to judges but a constitutional protection afforded to the people. A country, they argued, requires a judiciary capable of independently declaring wrongdoing by any government, political party, or powerful actor.
They further stated that if the objective is to combat corruption or expedite justice, the appropriate approach is to strengthen the capacity of investigative bodies, the police, the Attorney General’s Department, the Bribery Commission, and the broader judicial system — not to alter judicial tenure.
“Strengthen the law to catch thieves. Do not select judges to catch thieves.”
A Unified Platform for Rule of Law
The coalition aims to establish a non‑partisan national platform bringing together independent trade unions, professionals, and working people to defend judicial independence, the rule of law, and the sovereignty of the people.
The statement was issued by Ravi Kumudesh, on behalf of the Convening Committee of the National Committee of Professionals for Judicial Independence, together with the National Federation of Trade Unions and Professionals (NFTUP).
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