Judges’ retirement age protests are reportedly under intelligence scrutiny over possible political influence as legal-sector tensions grow.
Sri Lanka’s judges’ retirement age protests are reportedly facing an intelligence investigation to determine whether external political forces are influencing the opposition campaign.
National newspapers reported that government intelligence agencies had launched a special inquiry following protests against the decision to extend judges’ retirement ages.
The investigation reportedly aims to establish whether any outside party is directing, influencing or encouraging the protests.
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Government sources cited in the reports said several intelligence units were closely observing the individuals leading the campaign and monitoring their activities.
The proposal has already created unrest within Sri Lanka’s legal profession and judicial system.
Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said the President had received the proposals submitted by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka.
The Minister also indicated that the concerns surrounding the judges’ retirement age protests would be presented at Monday’s Cabinet meeting.
Meanwhile, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya has decided to raise the issue strongly in Parliament next week.
The opposition campaign is being led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa amid what the party describes as a growing crisis within the judicial sector.
The report further claimed that the opposition had taken steps to brief foreign ambassadors and international financial institutions based in Sri Lanka about the Government’s actions.
The reported intelligence inquiry is therefore likely to intensify the political controversy surrounding the judges’ retirement age protests, while legal organisations continue pressing the Government to reconsider the proposed changes.
