By Ceylon Signal 
President’s Counsel Geoffrey Alagaratnam issued a strong warning today (27) at a media briefing held by a group of senior lawyers opposing the proposed constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of judges, arguing that the move threatens judicial independence and undermines the sovereignty of the people.
Speaking at length, Alagaratnam stressed that the lawyers’ intervention was not politically motivated but rooted in the fundamental principles of constitutional governance and the rule of law. He emphasized that the Constitution belongs to the people, not to the President, Parliament, or the judiciary, and that all three institutions function only as agents of the public.
“This Constitution belongs to the people”
Alagaratnam questioned whether the government had consulted citizens before attempting to alter judicial retirement ages, noting that the administration frequently claims to be a “people’s government.”
“Do they ask the people what they want? Do they tell the people, ‘We are going to do this’? Is that correct?” he asked, arguing that major constitutional changes cannot be made in secrecy or without public engagement.
He warned that the courts remain the final refuge for citizens seeking justice — not only in private disputes but also when challenging the actions of the state. Any attempt to weaken judicial independence, he said, directly harms the public.
Allegations of ulterior motives
Alagaratnam described the amendment as an attempt to “capture the court” by offering extended tenure and higher salaries to judges, comparing it to a form of inducement.
“I don’t see the difference between this and bribery or corruption,” he said. “You are giving more salaries, you are giving a longer tenure. What is the difference between this and an ordinary ‘alas’?”
He noted that the government had previously promised a complete overhaul of the Constitution but had failed to deliver, instead introducing sudden changes only after public and professional criticism.
Concerns over secrecy and manipulation
The President’s Counsel highlighted the manner in which the amendment was introduced — “secretly, without consulting the people” — and warned that such changes could be used to manipulate the judiciary.
He cautioned that if the government can increase the retirement age today, it could reduce it tomorrow to remove judges it dislikes.
“This type of tinkering without any purpose, secretly, without any objective… is seen as an attempt to influence the judiciary, to bring them under their control.”
Lawyers united beyond politics
Alagaratnam underscored that the lawyers present represented diverse political backgrounds — including members associated with the NPP, UNP, and TNA — but were united as professionals committed to defending democracy.
“We are not speaking as politicians. We are speaking as lawyers. Our responsibility is to uphold democracy and the rule of law.”
“If we sacrifice the court, we have no hope”
He concluded with a stark warning: if judicial independence is compromised, citizens will lose their last avenue for justice.
“If the people think the judges also can be bought or influenced, that is the end of democracy. We have to take a stand.”