The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has expressed hope that the government will reconsider the proposed constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of judges following discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya said the Association explained in detail the reasons behind the legal community’s opposition to the proposed amendment.
He said the BASL delegation included President’s Counsel, former BASL presidents, academics and other legal experts, including Prof. Savitri Goonesekere and Lal Wijenayake.
Amarasuriya said the President also explained his position and views during what he described as a good and frank discussion.
The BASL’s final request was that a change of this nature should only be made following a broad expert consultation involving not only the legal profession but also academics, researchers and others who have studied the issue.
He stressed that the BASL’s position was not directed against any individual and should not be viewed as a confrontation.
“This is not a fight against anyone,” he said, adding that both sides had presented their respective views during the meeting.
Amarasuriya said the BASL hoped the discussion would lead to a wider consultation and eventually allow the proposed amendment to be reconsidered before a final decision is reached.
Responding to questions over personal attacks directed at judges amid the controversy, Amarasuriya said the BASL did not support personal criticism or attacks against anyone.
Asked whether the two sides had reached an agreement, he said no such conclusion had been reached, but expressed optimism following the talks.
Amarasuriya noted that amending the Constitution was within the government’s powers, while the BASL also had the right to express its opposition if it believed such a move was wrong.
He said the BASL expected the President, as a mature political leader who had long advocated for the rule of law and judicial independence, to carefully consider the concerns raised.
“I hope that after today’s discussion, this will move in a positive direction,” Amarasuriya said. (Newswire)