TNA Demands Public Referendum on Proposed Constitutional Change to Judicial Tenure

Tamil Party Takes Stand Against Constitutional Amendment

Sri Lanka's Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has called for a public referendum on a proposed constitutional amendment that would alter the tenure of judges, signalling growing political opposition to the measure ahead of any potential parliamentary vote.

What the Amendment Proposes

The proposed constitutional change would affect the terms under which judges serve in Sri Lanka's higher courts. Critics, including the TNA, argue that any modification to judicial tenure carries profound implications for the independence of the judiciary — a cornerstone of democratic governance — and therefore warrants direct input from the Sri Lankan public rather than a parliamentary decision alone.

TNA's Position

The TNA, which represents a significant portion of the Tamil-speaking population in the North and East of the island, contends that constitutional amendments of this nature are too consequential to be decided without a broader democratic mandate. Party leaders have insisted that the people of Sri Lanka must be given the opportunity to vote on the matter directly through a national referendum.

The independence of the judiciary must not be compromised through amendments passed without the full consent of the Sri Lankan people.

Concerns Over Judicial Independence

Legal observers and civil society groups have echoed similar concerns, warning that changes to judicial tenure could potentially expose the courts to political influence. The judiciary's independence is enshrined as a fundamental principle under the Sri Lankan constitution, and any perceived erosion of that independence is likely to attract strong public and international scrutiny.

Broader Political Implications

The TNA's demand adds to the mounting pressure on the government as it navigates a complex political landscape. Constitutional amendments in Sri Lanka typically require a two-thirds majority in parliament and, in certain circumstances, a public referendum — a threshold that makes cross-party consensus essential.

Political analysts suggest that the TNA's position could influence other minority and opposition parties to rally around the call for a referendum, potentially complicating the government's legislative agenda. The development is expected to intensify debate both inside and outside parliament in the weeks ahead.