The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has adopted a seven-point resolution outlining its position on the Government’s proposed constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of judges, including those of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.
The resolution was unanimously adopted at the BASL’s Special General Meeting held on Wednesday (29).
Among the key resolutions, the BASL said the proposed constitutional amendment should not proceed without a demonstrated institutional necessity, a transparent and evidence-based justification, meaningful consultation with relevant stakeholders, and a comprehensive assessment of its constitutional implications.
The Association also called on the Government to prioritise filling existing judicial vacancies through the constitutional appointment process instead of altering the tenure of serving judges.
It further urged the Government to focus on implementing recommendations contained in the Justice Sector Assessment and Strategic Action Plan, including reforms to reduce case delays, strengthen institutional capacity, modernise court infrastructure and improve access to justice.
The BASL said any future review of judicial retirement ages should be undertaken only as part of a comprehensive constitutional and judicial reform process following broad public consultation and independent expert evaluation.
The Association also reaffirmed its commitment to defending judicial independence, the separation of powers, the rule of law, constitutional governance and the integrity of Sri Lanka’s justice system, while authorising its office-bearers to take all lawful and appropriate steps, both locally and internationally, to safeguard judicial independence.
In its final resolution, the BASL called on the President, the Government and all Members of Parliament to refrain from proceeding with constitutional amendments affecting the tenure of serving judges unless they are demonstrably necessary, transparently developed, widely consulted upon and fully consistent with Sri Lanka’s constitutional traditions and international obligations relating to judicial independence. (Newswire)