Sri Lanka is facing a fresh political and judicial controversy as the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK), the country’s main Tamil political party, demands a national referendum on the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment.

The controversial amendment seeks to extend the retirement age of judges across Sri Lanka’s higher courts. Under the proposed changes, the retirement age for Supreme Court judges would increase from 65 to 67, while Court of Appeal judges would retire at 65 instead of 63.

The bill also proposes a retirement age of 62 for High Court, District Court and Magistrates’ Court judges.

ITAK argues that the proposed constitutional amendment directly concerns the sovereignty of the people and should therefore be put to a public vote. The demand has added to a growing debate over judicial independence and the separation of powers in Sri Lanka.

The bill has been on the Sri Lankan Parliament’s order paper since August 18 and is expected to move to its second reading after the Supreme Court delivers its decision on petitions challenging the constitutionality of the proposed amendment.

Sri Lanka Judges’ Retirement Age Row: ITAK Calls For Referendum On 22nd Amendment

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe failed on Monday to secure the backing of the biggest political party in parliament for his re-election bid, posing a major challenge to his prospects in the Sept. 21 vote.

Nearly 17 million of Sri Lanka’s 22 million population are eligible to cast ballots in the vote that is crucial to determine the future of reforms in the South Asian island nation weathering its worst financial crisis in decades.

Of the various candidates, Wickremesinghe is seen as the most market- and reform-friendly option. He took over the top job in July 2022 as the economy crumbled under a severe financial crisis triggered by a record shortfall of foreign exchange reserves.

But with just one seat in parliament, he needs the support of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), which holds a parliamentary majority and counts former president Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brother as key members, to be a stronger contender.

Also watch |&nbsp;"All time high.." Sri Lankan Minister Tharaka Balasuriya on India-Sri Lanka ties | WION Exclusive

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Although the SLPP decision is a blow to Wickremesinghe, it does not take him out of the race entirely, as he is contesting as an independent candidate, and a breakaway faction of the SLPP and other opposition parties could end up supporting him.

“The politburo decided by a significant majority that Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna will present a candidate under the SLPP party symbol,” SLPP General Secretary Salaga Kariyawasam told reporters after the party’s politburo meeting.

The SLPP candidate would be announced in the next few days, Kariyawasam added.

There was no immediate comment from Wickremesinghe or his office in response to the SLPP decision.

A source in Wickremesinghe’s United National Party said the outcome was expected.

“We are still expecting a group of SLPP members to support President Wickremesinghe as well as parliamentarians from minority parties,” said the source with direct knowledge of the matter. “This allows us to build a broader coalition across different parties and ethnic lines.”

Wickremesinghe’s predecessor, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, was the first sitting president to be ousted from power after thousands of disgruntled protesters occupied his office and official residence forcing him to flee the country and later resign.

Over the past two years, Wickremesinghe has overseen a fragile economic recovery securing a $2.9 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout programme that helped stem a fall in the rupee, tame runaway inflation, and rebuild dollar reserves.

Wickremesinghe also set the groundwork for Sri Lanka to start debt restructuring talks with its official creditors and bondholders.

But the pain from the financial fallout is far from over. Under the IMF programme Sri Lanka still has to increase tax revenue, fix loss making state companies, and finalise a $12.5 billion debt rework with bondholders.

Rising poverty levels, corruption and policy gridlock are also concerns, analysts said, adding that the crisis may have eroded the previously strong SLPP vote base, making the outcome of its alliance with Wickremesinghe unpredictable.

“People are silently waiting to give their decision on election day,” said political scientist Prof. Jayadeva Uyangoda.

“It is actually judgement time for Sri Lanka.”

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe failed on Monday to secure the backing of the biggest political party in parliament for his re-election bid, posing a major challenge to his prospects in the Sept.

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe failed on Monday to secure the backing of the biggest political party in parliament for his re-election bid, posing a major challenge to his prospects in the Sept. 21 vote. Nearly 17 million of Sri Lanka’s 22 million population are eligible to cast ballots in the vote that is crucial to determine the future of reforms in the South Asian island nation weathering its worst financial crisis in decades. Of the various candidates, Wickremesinghe is seen as the most market- and reform-friendly option. He took over the top job in July 2022 as the economy crumbled under a severe financial crisis triggered by a record shortfall of foreign exchange reserves. But with just one seat in parliament, he needs the support of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), which holds a parliamentary majority and counts former president Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brother as key members, to be a stronger contender. Also watch | "All time high.." Sri Lankan Minister Tharaka Balasuriya on India-Sri Lanka ties | WION Exclusive × Although the SLPP decision is a blow to Wickremesinghe, it does not take him out of the race entirely, as he is contesting as an independent candidate, and a breakaway faction of the SLPP and other opposition parties could end up supporting him. “The politburo decided by a significant majority that Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna will present a candidate under the SLPP party symbol,” SLPP General Secretary Salaga Kariyawasam told reporters after the party’s politburo meeting. The SLPP candidate would be announced in the next few days, Kariyawasam added. There was no immediate comment from Wickremesinghe or his office in response to the SLPP decision. A source in Wickremesinghe’s United National Party said the outcome was expected. “We are still expecting a group of SLPP members to support President Wickremesinghe as well as parliamentarians from minority parties,” said the source with direct knowledge of the matter. “This allows us to build a broader coalition across different parties and ethnic lines.” Wickremesinghe’s predecessor, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, was the first sitting president to be ousted from power after thousands of disgruntled protesters occupied his office and official residence forcing him to flee the country and later resign. Over the past two years, Wickremesinghe has overseen a fragile economic recovery securing a $2.9 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout programme that helped stem a fall in the rupee, tame runaway inflation, and rebuild dollar reserves. Wickremesinghe also set the groundwork for Sri Lanka to start debt restructuring talks with its official creditors and bondholders. But the pain from the financial fallout is far from over. Under the IMF programme Sri Lanka still has to increase tax revenue, fix loss making state companies, and finalise a $12.5 billion debt rework with bondholders. Rising poverty levels, corruption and policy gridlock are also concerns, analysts said, adding that the crisis may have eroded the previously strong SLPP vote base, making the outcome of its alliance with Wickremesinghe unpredictable. “People are silently waiting to give their decision on election day,” said political scientist Prof. Jayadeva Uyangoda. “It is actually judgement time for Sri Lanka.” Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

'Judgement time for Sri Lanka' as President Wickremesinghe fails to get enough support for re-election bid

Sri Lanka's strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa staged a political comeback on Friday as his party registered a landslide victory in the twice-postponed general elections, according to the final results released by the elections commission.

Your Story: Rajapaksas now authorized to amend the constitution, Two-third majority in 2020 polls

The counting of votes is underway in Sri Lanka after citizens streamed into polling stations on August 5. Nearly 71% of people cast their votes. Watch report.

Sri Lanka elections: Will Mahindra Rajapaksa become Prime Minister?

Sri Lanka elections: Advantage Rajapaksas in early rounds, Over 60% votes for SLPP in early rounds

Polling for Sri Lanka’s parliamentary election concluded on Wednesday with a voter turnout of 71%. The results will be released on Thursday

SL Polls: Nearly 71% Sri Lankans turn out to vote | Rajapaksa brothers | South-Asia

Sri Lanka voted for a new Parliament today. The question is not who will win the polls, but whether Mahinda Rajapaksa will be able to secure a 2/3rd majority. WION's Palki Sharma tells you what this election means for Sri Lanka and India.

Gravitas: Understanding the Sri Lankan Parliamentary elections

Polling has concluded in Sri Lanka. Polls were held under strict health guidelines on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch report.

Fineprint: Rajapaksas look to tighten grip on power, Sri Lanka polls voter turnout over 60%

Sri Lanka is prepared to hold the general elections on Wednesday to elect a 225 member parliament with strict health guidelines amidst the COVID-19 situation.

Why India is keeping a close watch on Sri Lanka Polls | India-Sri Lanka | South-Asia

Polling for the 2020 parliamentary election commenced in Sri Lanka Wednesday at 7 am in 12,985 polling stations across the country under strict health guidelines.

Sri Lanka elections: Rajapaksas aim for victory | Voting underway in Sri Lanka | WION

Polling begins for Sri Lanka parliamentary elections amid pandemic

Fineprint: Sri Lanka goes to polls tomorrow, Chinese influence in the election under scanner

Sri Lanka is prepared to hold the general elections on Wednesday to elect a 225 member parliament with strict health guidelines amidst COVID situation.

Sri Lanka all set to hold general elections tomorrow; Polls delayed twice by COVID-19

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today challenged Mahinda Rajapaksa to topple the current government, days after the former president expressed his intent to make a political comeback by bringing down the government this year.

&quot;I will be going next week to Switzerland for one week giving Mahinda time to bring the government down,&quot; Wickremesinghe told reporters here.

Rajapaksa last week&nbsp;warned that the unity government headed by the President Maithripala Sirisena and Premier Wickremesinghe could be toppled in 2017 through a roll of the head count in the national parliament.

Wickremesinghe said that the government from today was launching its development drive with opening up factories and announcing its new development strategies.

Initially, an agreement is to be finalised with China for setting up&nbsp;a special economic zone&nbsp;in Hambantota, deep southern district.

&quot;We have signed the framework agreement and finished. Now we are doing the concessionary agreement. It will be signed soon. Both sides are now arguing about the tax concessions,&quot; Wickremesinghe said.

&quot;On the Hambantota port we will get one&nbsp;billion (dollars), the whole loan can be written off,&quot; he said.

Rajapaksa leads the local protests to the move to lease the port&#39;s 80 per cent stake to China for a $1.3 billion settlement.

He said he was not opposed to the setting up of the industrial park, but opposes the move to give 15,000 acres of lands of the locals to the Chinese.

(PTI) 
&nbsp;

Wickremesinghe challenges Rajapaksa to topple government

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today challenged Mahinda Rajapaksa to topple the current government, days after the former president expressed his intent to make a political comeback by bringing down the government this year. "I will be going next week to Switzerland for one week giving Mahinda time to bring the government down," Wickremesinghe told reporters here. Rajapaksa last week warned that the unity government headed by the President Maithripala Sirisena and Premier Wickremesinghe could be toppled in 2017 through a roll of the head count in the national parliament. Wickremesinghe said that the government from today was launching its development drive with opening up factories and announcing its new development strategies. Initially, an agreement is to be finalised with China for setting up a special economic zone in Hambantota, deep southern district. "We have signed the framework agreement and finished. Now we are doing the concessionary agreement. It will be signed soon. Both sides are now arguing about the tax concessions," Wickremesinghe said. "On the Hambantota port we will get one billion (dollars), the whole loan can be written off," he said. Rajapaksa leads the local protests to the move to lease the port's 80 per cent stake to China for a $1.3 billion settlement. He said he was not opposed to the setting up of the industrial park, but opposes the move to give 15,000 acres of lands of the locals to the Chinese. (PTI)

'Giving Mahinda time to bring govt down': Sri Lankan PM challenges Rajapaksa