Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), the main political party representing Sri Lankan Tamils, has officially called for a national referendum regarding the proposed 22nd Amendment to the constitution. The demand amplifies an escalating political debate surrounding proposed legislative changes to the retirement age of senior judges.
Key Highlights
- Referendum Demand: ITAK insists that major constitutional changes altering the judiciary require a direct vote from the electorate.
- Judicial Retirement Row: The 22nd Amendment addresses proposed adjustments to the retirement age of top-tier judges in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
- Judicial Independence Concerns: Opposition politicians and legal commentators warn that shifting judicial terms could undermine the independence of the court system.
The controversy centers on legislative efforts to modify constitutional provisions governing the higher judiciary. Legal scholars and political observers note that changes to judicial tenure carry significant implications for constitutional balance and democratic governance in Sri Lanka.
By pressing for a referendum, ITAK asserts that foundational changes to constitutional institutions must not be settled solely within Parliament, maintaining that citizens should have a direct voice in shaping the nation’s judicial framework.