Mahanayake Theras Reiterate Objection to President; Delegations Raise Alarm Over 22nd Amendment

KANDY — The Mahanayake Theras have reaffirmed that they formally notified President Ranil Wickremesinghe of their dissatisfaction regarding recent constitutional developments, stating that a letter was sent but no response has been received.

This was revealed today during a meeting between the Malwathu Chapter Mahanayake Thera and representatives of several civil society groups, including the Dinana Dakuna Collective, Free Lawyers Organization, People’s Collective for Economic Justice, multiple mass‑based movements, and a number of trade unions, coordinated through the Centre for Free Operations.

Delegation Meets Mahanayake Theras on 22nd Amendment

A special delegation visited the Mahanayake Theras to discuss concerns surrounding the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment.

Malwathu Chapter Mahanayake, Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera, confirmed that the Supreme Sangha Council had earlier sent a letter to the President opposing the move to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court judges.

“We sent a letter, but we don’t know what happened to it,” the Mahanayake Thera remarked.

Political Interference Alleged

According to political sources, further action on the letter has been halted due to the intervention of a powerful political figure. This revelation has intensified concerns among civil society groups and legal professionals.

During the discussions, members of the Centre for Free Operations warned that the amendment appears to carry the hallmarks of a “religious conspiracy,” raising questions about the motives behind the sudden constitutional push.

Legal and Civil Society Leaders Present

Attorney-at-law Shiral Lakthilaka, President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne, Ravi Kumudesh, and several other activists participated in the meeting, urging the clergy to take a firm stance.

22nd Amendment Gazetted Amid Rising Opposition

The 22nd Constitutional Amendment was officially gazetted yesterday (07), reportedly driven by the influence of the President and a faction associated with Father Surasena, described by critics as a “born‑again lobby.”

The Mahanayake Theras indicated that they are prepared to challenge the amendment before the Supreme Court if necessary.