Battle Over Supreme Court Judges’ Retirement Age Takes Centre Stage
Gajendran Scores Political First with Exclusive Meeting with Vijay
From Prison Cells to House Arrest: Government Eyes Landmark Legal Shift
From the north to Tamil Nadu
When actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after what the original article describes as a ‘people’s revolution’, Inside Politics published an exclusive analysis claiming that Vijay would emerge as a decisive figure in matters relating to Sri Lanka’s politics. The column further predicted that his political rise would coincide with significant developments concerning Sri Lanka.
Within weeks of assuming office, Vijay appeared to reinforce those expectations by issuing a special statement to mark Maaveerar Naal (Great Heroes’ Day), commemorated by sections of the Tamil community in memory of LTTE members who died during the final stages of the war at Mullivaikkal. Observers noted that his statement expressed sympathy toward those commemorations.
Archuna failed
Around the same time, another unexpected development unfolded. Archuna Ramanathan, a controversial first-time MP from Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, travelled to Chennai in an attempt to meet Vijay. Archuna is widely known for expressing views both inside and outside Parliament that are seen as sympathetic to the LTTE and its former leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran. Vijay, too, has often been perceived by some observers as maintaining close political and emotional ties to issues relating to the Tamil struggle.
Many expected a meeting between the two. However, it never materialised. Although Archuna remained in Chennai hoping for an audience, Vijay reportedly did not allocate time for the meeting. The episode was interpreted by many as a signal that merely being perceived as sympathetic to the LTTE would not automatically secure access to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. It also suggested that Vijay would not readily engage with every emerging political figure from Sri Lanka’s North.
As a result, many believed Vijay, like other leaders after assuming office, would refrain from becoming directly involved in Sri Lankan political affairs.
Gajendrakumar succeeds.
However, despite declining Archuna’s request, Vijay appeared to re-enter Sri Lanka’s political discourse last week with a move that attracted considerable attention.
On July 3, he met Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, the son of late Tamil political leader Kumar Ponnambalam, who was known for his strong advocacy of Tamil nationalist causes. The meeting followed a request by Gajendrakumar to discuss the political situation in Sri Lanka and the rights of Tamils in the Northern and Eastern Provinces after Vijay assumed office.
Accordingly, Gajendrakumar travelled quietly to Chennai with several other Northern Tamil political leaders.
The Visit Becomes Public
Although the delegation travelled without publicity, news of the meeting became public after Vijay’s office confirmed it. According to the article, Sri Lanka’s Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai, Dr Ganeshanathan Ketheeswaran, also became aware of the planned discussions.
Three days before the scheduled meeting—on July 1—the Deputy High Commissioner officially met Vijay. Publicly, the meeting was described as a courtesy call to congratulate the new Chief Minister.
However, according to ‘inside politics’, officials at Sri Lanka’s diplomatic mission in Chennai were concerned after learning that Vijay would be meeting Gajendrakumar and his delegation, prompting the visit.
No discussion relating to Sri Lanka’s internal politics took place during that diplomatic meeting. Instead, the Deputy High Commissioner conveyed congratulations from the Sri Lankan Government to both Vijay and the Government of Tamil Nadu. They also reportedly exchanged views on strengthening non-political relations between Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu.
Nevertheless, the timing of the meeting reflected concern within sections of the Sri Lankan Government regarding Vijay’s planned discussions with Northern Tamil leaders.
First Political Meeting
Indian media gave extensive coverage to the July 3 meeting between Vijay and Gajendrakumar. It was reported as Vijay’s first formal political meeting with a Sri Lankan political leader since becoming Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
The discussions focused on several key issues concerning Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern Provinces. One of the first topics discussed was alleged human rights violations affecting Tamils in the North and East, including incidents that occurred during the civil war.
According to the report, Gajendrakumar also outlined the long-standing position of his father and other Tamil leaders that a federal system of governance represents the most viable solution to Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict.
He reportedly argued that the existing unitary constitutional framework has failed to resolve the grievances of Tamils in the North and East, and that if a separate Tamil Eelam is not considered an option, a federal political structure offers the most practical alternative. He is also said to have told Vijay that this approach has gained increasing acceptance internationally and would help safeguard the rights and autonomy of Tamil people in the North and East.
Discussions on Mullivaikkal
Inside Politics understand, a significant portion of the meeting was devoted to discussions on the final stages of the war at Mullivaikkal.
It claims that Gajendrakumar and his delegation presented Vijay with material and evidence that they said had not previously been made public. They reportedly argued that the final phase of the war involved large-scale civilian casualties and asserted that the international community has increasingly recognised those concerns.
The delegation also reportedly told Vijay that there is currently no effective Tamil political leadership capable of advocating internationally on behalf of Tamils in the North and East. They therefore requested that he assume a leadership role on the issue.
They further urged Vijay to support calls for an independent international investigation into the final phase of the war at Mullivaikkal, saying this reflects the position of the wider Tamil community and that his leadership would be crucial in advancing such efforts.
Fishing Dispute and Refugees
The discussions also covered the long-running fishing dispute between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, with particular attention paid to the challenges faced by fishermen in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.
Finally, both sides discussed Sri Lankan Tamil refugees who fled to Tamil Nadu during the civil war and continue to live there.
According to the article, Gajendrakumar’s delegation said that nearly 18 years after the end of the conflict, steps should be taken to facilitate the return and resettlement of these refugees in their original homes in Sri Lanka’s North and East.
Vijay reportedly assured the delegation that he would give the matter his attention.
With that meeting, Gajendrakumar and his delegation became the first Sri Lankan political party leaders to hold formal talks with Chief Minister Thalapathy Vijay. The article concludes that it remains to be seen how Vijay will respond to the issues raised during the discussions.
Sajith Writes to the Bar Association
Sri Lanka’s political climate has grown increasingly heated in recent weeks, with one issue dominating the national conversation: the government’s proposal to extend the retirement age of the Chief Justice and Supreme Court judges by two years. This move has sparked widespread opposition—not only from political parties in the opposition, but also from the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, the Magistrates’ and High Court Judges’ Associations, and even the Asian Bar Association. Last week, it was revealed that lawyers affiliated with the JVP had privately conveyed their objections to the President, though they refrained from making a public statement.
Special meeting
Against this backdrop, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa took a decisive step. Having already voiced his objections both inside and outside Parliament, he wrote to the Bar Association urging it to convene a broad dialogue that would unite all parties opposed to the government’s plan. Premadasa pledged that he and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) would actively participate. Responding to this request, the Bar Association organised a special meeting last Saturday, inviting not only political representatives but also civil society groups, lawyers, and other stakeholders. The gathering drew a large turnout.
Clear majority view
The discussions revealed a clear majority view: that extending the retirement age of the Chief Justice and Supreme Court judges was inappropriate at this juncture. While a few voices expressed support, the prevailing sentiment was that the government’s initiative was politically motivated. Following the meeting, Sajith and other participants addressed the media, vowing to take all necessary measures to defeat the proposal. Premadasa’s strategy has been methodical—first raising awareness among the public, then coordinating with opposition parties, and finally engaging civil society and professional bodies. He also formally requested the Speaker to allocate time in Parliament for a debate on the matter.
A Decisive Moment on July 18
The debate is expected to reach a critical juncture on July 18, when the Judicial Service Association of Sri Lanka—an influential body representing judges, magistrates, and judicial officers—holds its general assembly. Given the association’s prominence, its stance on the retirement age issue will carry significant weight. Legal circles are watching closely to see whether the assembly will endorse or reject the government’s proposal. Meanwhile, anonymous social media campaigns have emerged, attempting to disrupt the opposition’s momentum by spreading divisive commentary and naming individuals involved.
Mounting Attacks on Sajith
Parallel to this controversy, Sajith Premadasa has faced mounting political attacks. Reports suggest that discredited politicians—some over 80 years old and long rejected by the public—along with individuals facing corruption allegations, have sought to exploit the situation. These groups have organised discussions and media forums, attempting to draw Sajith and the SJB into their orbit. Premadasa, however, has repeatedly emphasised that neither he nor his party will align with figures tainted by corruption or abuse of power.
In recent weeks, a coordinated media campaign has emerged, accusing Sajith of striking deals with the government and failing to fulfil his role as opposition leader. The SJB leadership suspects that pro-Ranil factions within the party may be complicit. Reports indicate that some MPs who previously benefited from deals under Ranil Wickremesinghe’s presidency—such as liquor licences, contracts, and financial allocations—are now being used to undermine Sajith. In response, Premadasa convened senior party members last week, presenting detailed information about the sources, financiers, and organisers behind the attacks. According to insiders, elements close to Wickremesinghe are orchestrating the campaign to fracture the fragile unity between the SJB and the UNP.
Sajith’s Firm Stand
Although Ranil Wickremesinghe himself has avoided direct involvement, his allies continue to launch media offensives against Sajith. Premadasa, however, has remained resolute. In a recent party meeting, he declared:
“I know exactly who is behind these attacks and how they operate. Some of our own MPs are involved. But no matter what, I will never stand with the corrupt, nor allow the SJB to be used to defend them.”
The discussion also touched on the case of Charith Abeysinghe, who was arrested on bribery charges. While some argued that expelling him from the party was premature, Sajith clarified that Abeysinghe was under investigation and would only be reinstated if cleared of wrongdoing.
Anura Leaves Without Speaking
Last Thursday, the Higher Ordination (Upasampada) Ceremony of the Mahanikaya chapter of the Amarapura Nikaya was held with full state patronage and ceremonial grandeur.
Amid the current political tensions and disagreements, the event attracted considerable public attention, as it provided a rare opportunity for President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa to appear together at the same function.
As scheduled, both the President and the Opposition Leader attended the ceremony. They were joined by Minister of Cultural Affairs Sunil Senevi, the Mahanayake Theras of the Amarapura Nikaya and a large gathering of senior Buddhist clergy and distinguished guests.
According to the programme, speeches were to be delivered first by the senior monks of the Amarapura Nikaya, followed by the Minister of Cultural Affairs, the Opposition Leader and finally the President.
However, about 40 minutes after the ceremony began, the President unexpectedly left the venue without delivering his speech or informing the gathering.
Speaks to opposition leader
Before departing, he walked directly to Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, shook hands with him and briefly informed him that he had to attend another engagement before leaving the ceremony. No further explanation was reportedly given.
The President’s sudden departure from a state-sponsored religious ceremony without addressing the gathering raised eyebrows among many of those present. The reactions of the clergy and guests suggested widespread surprise, with many exchanging views about the unexpected development.
Some attendees claimed that the President left shortly after a speech delivered by the venerable Dr Madampagama Assaji Thera. While praising the head of state, the monk also referred to what he described as threats facing the Buddha Sasana from various non-state groups and organisations during the current administration. Some observers speculated that these remarks may have caused discomfort to the President, prompting his early departure.
Whatever the reason, many present felt that it was inappropriate for the President to leave midway through a major event organised with state patronage without delivering his scheduled address.
In contrast, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa remained at the ceremony and, during his speech, spoke about the challenges and alleged conspiracies facing the Buddha Sasana. His remarks were warmly received by many of the senior monks in attendance.
House Arrest Proposal Revived
Various accounts of the deadly clash at the Negombo Prison, which claimed the lives of 28 prison officers and inmates, continue to circulate through both mainstream and social media.
According to information reaching us, several controversial revelations are expected to emerge as investigations progress.
Current indications suggest that severe prison overcrowding was one of the principal factors behind the violence. Although Negombo Prison has a capacity of around 600 inmates, approximately 2,400 prisoners were being held there when the clash erupted. The resulting pressure and overcrowded conditions are widely believed to have contributed to the unrest.
During last week’s heated parliamentary debate on the incident, Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara disclosed a significant policy proposal aimed at addressing prison congestion.
He announced that the government is considering introducing a system of house arrest for offenders convicted of minor offences instead of sending them to prison.
“There are too many remand prisoners. That is why we have appointed a committee to study a house arrest act. Instead of imprisoning certain offenders, we are looking at placing them under house arrest with an electronic monitoring system. These are only a few of the measures we are considering. We have not been sitting idle,” the minister told Parliament.
Anuradha Jayaratne responds
Former Deputy Minister of Justice Anuradha Jayaratne immediately responded, stating that the previous government had already drafted legislation on the subject and had even procured electronic monitoring bracelets intended for offenders placed under house arrest. Our own enquiries into the proposal revealed that during former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s administration, then Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe submitted a Cabinet paper on the matter in December 2023 and secured Cabinet approval.
A committee comprising Supreme Court judges was subsequently appointed to prepare the required legal framework, and its recommendations were forwarded to the Legal Draftsman’s Department. However, the legislative process stalled following the presidential election campaign and the government’s electoral defeat. It therefore remains unclear whether the proposal now referred to by Minister Harshana Nanayakkara is a continuation of that earlier initiative. Nevertheless, the Minister confirmed that a committee has once again been appointed to move the process forward.
House arrest has been used in several countries, including for high-profile political figures. Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra served a period under house arrest, while Myanmar’s former leader Aung San Suu Kyi remains under house arrest. France’s former presidential candidate Marine Le Pen has also faced court-imposed restrictions following her conviction on corruption-related charges.
Legally recognised
The system itself is already legally recognised in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, parts of Australia, New Zealand, France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Singapore and Brazil. Although India does not have comprehensive legislation governing house arrest, courts there possess limited authority to order it in certain cases.
The question now being raised in Sri Lanka is: who exactly is this proposed law intended to benefit?
Several former politicians are currently facing court proceedings, with several already remanded in custody. Political developments also suggest that more politicians could face imprisonment in the coming months.
Whether the proposed legislation is intended to allow such politicians to serve their detention under house arrest, or whether it is aimed solely at easing prison overcrowding by applying to ordinary offenders, remains to be seen. Sri Lankans will have to wait a little longer for that answer.
Namal Writes to Sajith
Amid the intensifying debate over the government’s proposal to extend the retirement age of the Chief Justice and Supreme Court judges, SLPP National Organizer Namal Rajapaksa last week sent a letter to Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa. In it, Rajapaksa urged Premadasa to take a strong stand against the government’s plan and to mobilise broad resistance.
However, within the SJB, the letter was met with scepticism. Senior party figures immediately convened to discuss it, noting that Sajith had already spoken out in Parliament and joined forces with the Bar Association to organise a major campaign. They argued that Namal’s intervention appeared less a personal initiative than one influenced by external groups with vested interests. Consequently, the SJB leadership decided not to respond to the letter.
The party also debated Namal’s call for “unity” in opposing the government. Senior members stressed that while the opposition must act collectively against harmful policies, under no circumstances should the SJB align with the SLPP or share a political platform with it. They reaffirmed that party policy prohibits any form of coalition or joint front with the ruling party.
The Letter from Namal Rajapaksa
To: Hon. Sajith Premadasa, Leader of the Opposition, Parliament of Sri Lanka, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.
Date: 07 July 2026
Subject: The need for democratic parties to unite against attempts to undermine the rule of law by extending the tenure of senior judges.
“We believe the government is attempting, without any justifiable reason, to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court judges. This action threatens the rule of law and undermines democratic governance. Already, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, the Asian Bar Association, and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association have expressed their disapproval.
Therefore, we urge that all parties committed to democracy should unite in opposition. As Leader of the Opposition, we request you to convene a discussion among all parliamentary parties and other relevant political leaders to address this grave situation.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely, Namal Rajapaksa, MP, National Organiser, SLPP”
