By Ceylon Signal 
Former President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris, has urged the public to critically examine President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s repeated assertion that the proposed constitutional amendment is not intended to benefit any single individual. Speaking at a public forum titled “Save Our Sovereignty”, Peiris warned that the true consequences of the amendment will eventually become clear to both the government and the President.
Peiris stressed that while the Executive and Legislature may not operate independently, the Judiciary must remain fully independent. He argued that altering the retirement age of judges—one of the key concerns surrounding the amendment—would directly undermine that independence.
“The Executive Cannot Change Judicial Retirement Age”
Peiris noted that the retirement age of judges has already been constitutionally established, and the Executive has no authority to increase or decrease it.
“The retirement age has been fixed. The Executive cannot change it—cannot reduce it, cannot increase it. Even with a two‑thirds majority or a referendum, the issue is not legality; the issue is that it should not be done,” he said.
He cautioned the public not to accept the government’s narrative that the amendment is not targeted at any individual.
Questions Over Judicial Vacancies and Timing
Peiris questioned why the government had failed to fill 17 High Court vacancies, despite claiming the amendment is being introduced for the betterment of the judiciary.
He pointed out that Supreme Court Justice Gurusinha is due to retire in September, yet no steps have been taken to appoint him to the Supreme Court.
“If this amendment is genuinely for the good of the country, why couldn’t they announce it six months ago? Why now—only when opposition to the 22nd Amendment emerges?” he asked.
Justice Minister “Unaware” of Amendment Discussions
Peiris revealed that when he inquired about the amendment six weeks ago, the Minister of Justice claimed he had no knowledge of it and said it had not been discussed in Cabinet.
“If the Justice Minister himself doesn’t know, what does that say about the process?” Peiris questioned.
Historical Pattern of Concealed Intentions
Drawing parallels with past constitutional changes, Peiris said former President J.R. Jayewardene used early amendments to extend his term and delay elections. He argued that Amendments 18, 20, and now 22 follow a similar pattern of concealing their true purpose.
“The real intention is always hidden when these amendments are presented. Many lawyers oppose this. Even some ministers oppose it,” he said.
Peiris concluded that the public must remain vigilant and protect the sovereignty of the nation by questioning the motives behind constitutional reforms.
You can watch the speech given by Mr. Saliya Peiris in Sinhala below.