Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday likened the Government’s justification of the proposed 22nd Amendment to Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Emperor’s New Clothes”, claiming that the amendment would undermine judicial independence, democracy and the separation of powers.

Speaking in Parliament during the debate on the 22nd Amendment, Premadasa said the Government portrayed the constitutional amendment as a measure aimed at protecting democracy, but alleged that its actual effect would be to strengthen executive influence over the Judiciary.

He said the amendment would erode public confidence in judges and turn the Judiciary into a “tool and puppet” of the Executive.

Premadasa recalled the constitutional changes introduced through the 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st Amendments, arguing that executive powers had been repeatedly reduced and restored under successive governments.

He also criticised politicians who had supported several of those amendments while continuing to receive public support at elections.

The Opposition Leader referred to the impeachment of former Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake and accused those who had supported her removal of later taking positions in favour of judicial independence.

He also referred to a court order concerning the holding of local government elections, saying some politicians who had previously defended judicial independence had subsequently called for judges who issued the order to be summoned before a Parliamentary Select Committee.

Premadasa said the Samagi Jana Balawegaya had consistently defended judicial independence in both instances.

He also questioned the Government’s proposal to extend the retirement age of senior judges, saying no proper study had been conducted to justify the measure. He referred to a 2023 Asian Development Bank study, claiming that extending judges’ retirement age had not been identified as a solution to problems facing the Judiciary.

The Opposition Leader further questioned the Government’s position that a referendum was unnecessary for the 22nd Amendment, recalling arguments made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in support of a referendum during the 20th Amendment process.

The Supreme Court has determined that the 22nd Amendment Bill does not require approval at a referendum under Article 83 of the Constitution, while requiring certain textual changes to the Bill.

Premadasa also accused the Government of departing from its manifesto pledge to abolish the executive presidency and alleged that it was instead seeking to increase executive influence over state institutions.

He urged the Government to withdraw the Bill, alleging that it would weaken checks and balances and move the country towards one-party rule.

About 64% of preschool children in Sri Lanka spend more than 30 minutes a day on mobile phones, tablets or computers, Health Ministry Secretary Anil Jasinghe said on Thursday.

He said the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that young children spend less than 30 minutes a day using digital screens.

A Health Ministry survey has also found that around 43% of preschool children eat their meals while watching a screen.

The survey raised concerns about caregiving practices, with around 56% of parents or preschool caregivers reporting that they become angry with children, Jasinghe said.

He also noted a lower level of involvement by fathers in childcare, with only about 53% reported to be closely involved in caring for their children.

Jasinghe said the Health Ministry had introduced a health promotion programme and guidelines for preschool children in response to the findings.

Sri Lanka Insurance Life (SLIC Life), the nation’s largest and strongest Life Insurer, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Sameera Dharmasena as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 22nd September 2026.

Dr. Dharmasena is a distinguished insurance professional with over 21 years of experience in the Sri Lankan insurance industry, having held senior leadership positions across several leading insurance companies affiliated with some of Sri Lanka’s largest business conglomerates. His extensive career spans both local and multinational insurance environments, bringing together broad industry expertise, strategic leadership and a strong commitment to the advancement of the insurance profession.

He began his career with Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation and subsequently held senior positions across the insurance sector, gaining extensive experience across diverse insurance businesses and corporate environments. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Sri Lanka Insurance General Limited.

In addition to his corporate leadership experience, Dr. Dharmasena has made a significant contribution to the development of insurance education and professionalism in Sri Lanka. He was elected President of the Sri Lanka Insurance Institute, the country’s insurance education body affiliated with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), UK. His involvement with the Institute reflects his commitment to strengthening professional knowledge, education and standards within the insurance industry.

Dr. Dharmasena holds a PhD in Business Management from Girne American University, an MBA from the University of Colombo, a BSc (Hons) in Biological Science from the University of Kelaniya, and an LLB from the Open University of Sri Lanka. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute (FCII), UK, and an Associate of the Insurance Institute of India (AIII).

With his extensive industry experience, diverse academic background and strong professional engagement, Dr. Dharmasena assumes leadership of SLIC Life at an important stage in the Company’s continued growth and transformation.