By Ceylon Signal 
Colombo, August 11 — A week‑long controversy over a letter sent by the Mahanayaka Theras of the three Nikayas to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has intensified, following contradictory statements made by Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister of Health and Media, Dr. Nalin Jayatissa.
Speaking at today’s Cabinet decisions media briefing, Minister Jayatissa confirmed that the President had indeed received the letter in which the Mahanayaka Theras raised concerns over the proposed constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of judges. He added that both he and the Minister of Justice had met with the Mahanayaka Theras to clarify the government’s position based on the contents of the letter.
“The Mahanayaka Theras have submitted a letter to the President. Taking those concerns into account, we clarified matters before presenting the 22nd Constitutional Amendment and the Judicial Service Amendment Bill to the Cabinet,” Jayatissa said.
“We expected these concerns to be addressed before the amendments were brought forward. Accordingly, we briefed the Mahanayaka Theras of the Malwathu, Asgiri, and Ramanna Nikayas.”
A Direct Contradiction
The Minister’s remarks sharply contrast with his statement at the Cabinet media briefing held on August 4, where he claimed he was unaware of any such letter sent to the President. At that earlier briefing, he acknowledged meeting the Mahanayaka Theras on August 3 but insisted he had no knowledge of a letter.
This discrepancy has prompted criticism from civil society groups, including the Dinana Dakuna Collective, which issued a strongly worded statement today accusing the government of inconsistency and lack of transparency.
Civil Society Group Responds
The collective said it was “greatly satisfied” that the contradictory statements had now been publicly exposed, arguing that the revelation confirms concerns raised earlier by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka and by the collective itself during its own meeting with the Mahanayaka Theras.
“The government’s two‑faced policy has now been laid bare,” the statement read.
“From the beginning, the government’s stance on extending the retirement age of judges has been inconsistent. Today’s revelation by the Cabinet Spokesperson is a victory for all who value democracy.”
The group further expressed alarm that the government was not acting in good faith regarding the 22nd Constitutional Amendment and accused it of fostering distrust between the Sangha and the public.
Growing Pressure on Government
The controversy adds to mounting pressure on the administration, which has faced criticism from legal experts, religious leaders, and civil society over the proposed judicial reforms. The confirmation of the Mahanayaka Theras’ letter — after an earlier denial — is likely to intensify scrutiny of the government’s handling of constitutional changes.
The Dinana Dakuna Collective concluded its statement by reaffirming its opposition to what it described as “the government’s deceptive approach” and called for greater transparency in constitutional reform processes.