The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has requested the postponement of a proposed briefing for Members of Parliament on extending the retirement age of judges, citing the government’s position in Parliament and the absence of bipartisan consensus.
In a letter dated August 19 addressed to Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya said the association had hoped the briefing would have bipartisan participation, giving MPs an opportunity to better understand its concerns over the proposed constitutional amendment.
However, the BASL said that following proceedings in Parliament on August 18 and the position expressed by the government, “there appears to be no consensus” on the matter and no present interest from the government in providing its MPs with an opportunity to attend the briefing.
The development comes amid criticism from government MPs over the proposed briefing, with questions raised over an invitation involving Members of Parliament.
The BASL said that while the Opposition had already voiced strong objections to the proposed constitutional amendment, the briefing would have been particularly useful for government MPs to objectively consider their approach to the issue.
It therefore requested that the briefing be postponed until bipartisan participation could be assured.
The BASL also thanked the Opposition Leader for proposing and following up on the briefing, describing it as a progressive step in the constitutional debate. (Newswire)
