Opposition seeks debate on Executive interference in Judiciary

May 6, 2026

A proposal prepared under the instructions of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, requesting a debate to condemn alleged interference by the Executive in the Judiciary, was today handed over to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne.

The proposal was handed over by Opposition Chief Organizer Gayantha Karunathilaka, together with Deputy Organizers J.C. Alawathuwala and Ajith P. Perera, and other Opposition MPs.

The proposal calls for an urgent adjournment debate in Parliament, citing remarks made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the May Day rally on May 1, where he suggested that a court ruling expected on May 25 should be “celebrated.”

Opposition legislators argue that such statements risk undermining judicial independence and public confidence in the administration of justice.

The resolution outlines the following key points:

This Parliament unequivocally condemns any statement or conduct by members of the Executive that undermines, interferes with, or appears to interfere with the independence of the judiciary;
This Parliament affirms its unwavering commitment to uphold the Constitution, the Rule of Law, and the doctrine of separation of powers;
This Parliament calls upon all public office holders, including the Executive, to exercise restraint in public statements relating to pending judicial proceedings, so as to avoid any perception of influence or impropriety;
This Parliament urges His Excellency the President to clarify his remarks and reaffirm his commitment to respecting the independence and integrity of the judiciary;
This Parliament resolves to take all necessary steps within its constitutional mandate to safeguard the independence of the judiciary and preserve public confidence in the administration of justice.

The Opposition emphasized that the debate is essential to protect the integrity of the judiciary and to ensure that executive actions do not erode democratic governance. (Newswire)