The Colombo Law Society has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to refrain from proceeding with any constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges, warning that such a move could undermine public confidence in the independence of the judiciary.
In a letter dated 2 July 2026, the Society said its Executive Committee had unanimously decided to convey its concerns after deliberating on the reported proposal to increase the retirement age of superior court judges. It also expressed support for the position previously taken by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka on the matter.
The Society acknowledged the valuable contribution made by members of the higher judiciary but stressed that any change to the constitutionally established retirement age should only be considered after broad consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
It noted that the retirement ages of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges have remained unchanged since the 1978 Constitution and cautioned that altering the framework, particularly in relation to serving judges, could create public perceptions that weaken confidence in the judiciary’s independence and impartiality.
The Colombo Law Society further pointed out that the number of judges in both superior courts was increased through constitutional reforms in 2020, questioning whether there is a compelling institutional need to change the retirement age at this stage.
Calling judicial independence a cornerstone of the rule of law and democratic governance, the Society urged the President to carefully consider the concerns raised by the legal profession and preserve public confidence in Sri Lanka’s judiciary. Copies of the letter were also sent to Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara and Bar Association President Rajeev Amarasuriya. (Newswire)