Opposition seeks debate over judicial independence concerns

A special resolution requesting an adjournment debate to strongly condemn the influence and interference of the executive on the independence of the judiciary was handed over to the Speaker today (6).

A group including Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunatileka officially handed over the proposal, prepared on the instructions of the Opposition Leader, to Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne.

A statement made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during a May Day rally held on 1 May 2026 forms the basis for this resolution.

The Opposition points out that the President’s statement, which urged supporters to prepare to celebrate the outcome and the date of a verdict in a pending court case, constitutes an influence on judicial independence.

Through this resolution, the Opposition further requests Parliament to fulfil its responsibility to protect public confidence in the judiciary.