Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday (9) claimed that instead of addressing major issues such as fertiliser subsidies, irrigation rehabilitation and problems in prisons, the Government's biggest national priority had now become increasing the retirement age of judges.

Premadasa made the remarks yesterday (9), during an event to establish the Ruwanwella branch of the Samagi Vanitha Balawegaya.

He said increasing the retirement age of judges would not resolve people's problems, eradicate poverty or provide solutions to unemployment. He claimed that the move would instead create a system in which a single party controls the entire country, rather than delivering the “wealthy country and beautiful life” promised by the Government during its election campaign.

"The Government received a public mandate not to increase the retirement age of judges, but to create a prosperous life and better future for the people. What they do is the complete opposite of what they promised. They first started to make appointments to youth clubs and public security committees according to decisions taken at their party office. They have now started to exert pressure on the Judiciary."

Speaking further, Premadasa said the Government could have instead introduced a constitutional amendment to strengthen the rights of women, children, citizens and senior citizens, but had failed to do so. "When we are in power, we will definitely make the rights of women, children, senior citizens and other vulnerable groups, which are currently not recognised as fundamental rights (FRs), FRs under the Constitution."