SJB calls for Parliamentary Select Committee to probe retirement date of Chief Justice

SJB MP Rohini Kavirathna has called on the government to immediately establish a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to investigate the emerging controversy surrounding the retirement date of Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena.

Addressing Parliament, Kaviratne alleged that the government is attempting to retain the Chief Justice in office for an additional two years in order to keep a puppet at the helm of the judiciary who can be manipulated at will.

She pointed out that according to an official document issued during the tenure of former Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya—which is currently circulating on social media—Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena was scheduled to retire on 12 January 2026.

She noted that while all other judges mentioned in that document have retired on their due dates, this issue has arisen solely with respect to the Chief Justice.

"Eight vacancies in the higher courts have remained unfilled for seven months. However, by failing to appoint qualified judges, the government is operating on the premise that the law is merely the ruler's will. If this document is false, an immediate investigation must be conducted to reveal the truth to the country," she said.

Meanwhile, NPP MP Nilanthi Kottahachchi raised a strong objection to Rohini Kavirathna’s statement.

She pointed out that under Parliamentary Standing Orders, the conduct, personal affairs, or tenure of judges cannot be debated in Parliament without a formal motion.