By Ceylon Signal 
Sri Lanka’s three Mahanayake Theras have formally requested President Ranil Wickremesinghe to refrain from proceeding with the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, warning that the move could raise serious concerns about judicial independence.
The letter, dated July 31 and now circulating widely on social media, addresses the Cabinet decision to increase the retirement age of judges serving in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. Under the current Constitution, judges retire at 63 and 65 respectively.
In their communication, the Mahanayake Theras state that the Government’s attempt to raise these age limits through a constitutional amendment is “not appropriate,” adding that such a change should not be rushed without a broader, well‑structured plan for judicial administration.
They emphasize the need for a comprehensive reform process developed in consultation with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the efficient functioning of the courts. Introducing a constitutional amendment at this moment, they caution, could “raise questions regarding the independence of the judiciary.”
The Theras conclude their letter by respectfully reminding the President that avoiding such amendments at this juncture would be in the best interest of safeguarding the integrity of the judicial system.
Here is a faithful, formal English translation of Sinhala letter
31 July 2026
His Excellency Anura Kumara Dissanayake,
President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka,
Presidential Secretariat,
Galle Face, Colombo 01.
Regarding the decision taken by the Cabinet of Ministers to increase the retirement age of Judges of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, and the judiciary at large
Your Excellency,
We have been informed that the Government is taking steps to introduce a constitutional amendment to increase the retirement age of the Honourable Judges of the judiciary, who constitute the primary mechanism through which justice is dispensed in Sri Lanka.
At present, under the provisions of the Constitution, the retirement ages of Judges of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court are stipulated as 63 and 65 years respectively. It is our belief that taking steps at this moment to increase those age limits would not be appropriate. We wish to emphasise that such action could raise serious concerns regarding the independence of the judiciary and the entire process of dispensing justice. It is widely accepted that public confidence in the administration of justice rests not only on the actual independence of the judiciary but also on the unquestionable appearance of such independence.
Therefore, the constitutional amendment the Government intends to introduce could create a grave concern regarding the protection of the country’s judicial system, and this precedent may, in the future, lead to the complete erosion of judicial independence. The Judges’ Associations, legal experts, and civil society organisations have expressed their opposition in this regard, and the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, through a series of resolutions, has provided extensive clarification on the negative implications of the proposed amendment.
It is our understanding that a Government working towards sustainable national development and social security must be grounded on the Seven Aparihāniya Dhamma. If the enactment of laws that have not been broadly consulted leads to social unrest and negative impacts on state stability, it becomes the responsibility of the national leadership to refrain from such actions and instead act in a manner that strengthens public confidence in the State.
Particularly at a time when there exists significant public appreciation regarding the independence of the judiciary, introducing such an amendment may foster negative perceptions about the Government and raise questions regarding the independence of the Honourable Judges themselves.
Hence, we state that it would be appropriate to formulate and implement a comprehensive programme—after discussions with all relevant stakeholders—to ensure the efficient functioning of judicial affairs, and we respectfully remind Your Excellency that introducing a constitutional amendment at this moment that could raise concerns regarding judicial independence would be inadvisable.
Respectfully,
Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Abhidhāna,
Mahanayaka Thera, Malwathu Chapter,
Siyam Maha Nikaya,
Malwathu Maha Viharaya, Kandy.
Most Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithri Murthi Abhidhāna,
Uttareethara Mahanayaka Thera,
Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya,
Sri Dhammananda Vidyālaya Pirivena,
Miriswatta, Balangoda.
Most Venerable Warakagoda Dhammasee Sri Pannyananda Ñāṇarathana Abhidhāna,
Mahanayaka Thera, Asgiri Chapter,
Siyam Maha Nikaya,
Asgiri Maha Viharaya, Kandy.
Most Venerable Makulǣwe Sri Vimala Abhidhāna,
Mahanayaka Thera,
Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya,
Minioluwa Vidyāvāsa Maha Pirivena,
Meerigama.
