The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has expressed grave concern over reports that the Government is considering a constitutional amendment to increase the retirement age of judges of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
In a letter addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the BASL said the retirement ages of 63 years for Appeal Court judges and 65 years for Supreme Court judges, in place since the 1978 Constitution, should not be changed arbitrarily.
The Association warned that such a move would erode public confidence in the integrity of the legal system and raise questions about the Government’s commitment to judicial independence.
The BASL noted that the cadre of judges in both apex courts had already been expanded under the 20th Amendment in 2020, reducing any practical need to extend retirement ages.
It cautioned that altering the ages now would be seen as interference with the judiciary and set a dangerous precedent for future governments to introduce ad hoc constitutional changes.
“The independence of the Judiciary and the public confidence reposed in it are indispensable pillars of the Rule of Law and the democratic framework of our Republic,” the BASL said, stressing that the judiciary must remain wholly independent and free from even the perception of influence or impropriety.
The Association urged the President not to proceed with any such amendment, stressing the importance of preserving the independence, integrity, dignity, and public trust in the judiciary. (Newswire)
