Sajith denies political deal with BASL president, challenges NPP to repeat claims outside Parliament

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has rejected allegations that he entered into a political deal with Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) President Rajiv Amarasuriya to oppose the government plan to extend the retirement age of superior court judges.

Premadasa issued the denial via a statement on X following accusations made in Parliament by National People’s Power (NPP) MP Asitha Niroshana, who alleged that the opposition leader had bribed the legal body to resist the proposed judicial changes.

Challenging the ruling coalition lawmaker to repeat the claims outside the legislative chamber where parliamentary privilege does not apply, Premadasa described the assertion as a baseless attempt to defend an unpopular policy.

Further defense of the legal body emerged from Free Lawyers Association Convenor Maithri Gunaratne (PC), who similarly challenged government members to make their accusations publicly.

Addressing the media, Gunaratne said that the BASL chief had maintained consistent opposition to extending the judicial retirement age since the proposal was first introduced.

He warned that any parliamentarian repeating the bribery allegations outside the House would face legal action and multi-million-rupee compensation claims for defamation.