Sri Lanka’s opposition protests against contentious judicial reforms

Sri Lanka's main opposition protested on Thursday against proposed judicial reforms, including an increase in the retirement age for judges. Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, addressing thousands outside parliament, stated the legislation from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's administration would undermine judicial independence. The government introduced two bills last month aimed at reducing legal delays by increasing the number of courthouses, establishing new appellate courts outside the capital, raising judges' retirement age by two years, and hiring more magistrates and staff. The opposition argues these reforms threaten the independence of the judiciary.