President Anura Kumara Dissanayake defended his government's judicial reforms in Colombo on Sunday, rejecting opposition claims that the changes amount to political interference in Sri Lanka's courts. He described the measures as necessary systemic change.

The reforms have drawn criticism from the Bar Association of Sri Lanka and opposition parties, who argue the government risks undermining judicial independence. Dissanayake, who leads the National People's Power coalition, has said the overhaul targets delays and corruption within the legal system rather than the autonomy of judges.

The debate unfolded alongside renewed attention to Sri Lanka's relationship with India, its closest neighbour and largest regional partner. Commentators in both countries have stressed Colombo's geographic and economic dependence on New Delhi, while cautioning against friction over Chinese investment in Sri Lankan ports and infrastructure.

Dissanayake's administration has sought to reassure India that Colombo will not allow its territory to be used against Indian security interests. Sri Lanka's Foreign Ministry has signalled continued cooperation on trade, energy and connectivity projects agreed during earlier bilateral talks.

The president's remarks came as his coalition faces pressure to deliver on economic recovery pledges made after the country's debt crisis. Analysts at Colombo-based think tanks have said the judicial reforms and foreign policy alignment will shape public confidence ahead of future electoral tests.