Sri Lanka, Sept. 25 -- Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa strongly criticised the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution during parliamentary debates, claiming it would compromise judicial independence, weaken the separation of powers, and increase executive influence over the courts.

Arguing that the legislation would erode public trust in the judiciary and alter superior court judges' retirement ages-raising Supreme Court judges from 65 to 67 and Court of Appeal judges from 63 to 65-he urged the government to withdraw the Bill.

Comparing the administration's stance to The Emperor's New Clothes, Premadasa accused leaders of misrepresenting the amendment as democratic reform while failing to properly consult stakeholders or legal o...