Representatives of 40 professional organisations and trade unions have joined the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) in opposing the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, calling on the government to immediately withdraw the bill.
The organisations adopted a joint statement following a meeting at the BASL on Monday, expressing support for the association’s position that the proposed extension of the retirement age of judges could threaten judicial independence.
Among the organisations represented were the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA), Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), Railway Station Masters’ Union, Graded Principals’ Association, Government Nursing Association and several associations representing health professionals and public-sector employees.
The joint statement argued that extending the retirement age of judges, including Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges, could directly affect the independence of the judiciary and, consequently, the rule of law, democracy and sovereignty of the people.
The organisations referred to a 2022 Supreme Court special determination concerning the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill, saying the court had held that a constitutional amendment affecting the retirement age or period of office of incumbent judges would impinge on judicial independence and violate Article 3 of the Constitution, requiring approval at a referendum.
The statement also noted that concerns over the proposed amendment have been expressed by several religious, judicial, professional and international legal bodies.
The 40 organisations unanimously called on the government to withdraw the proposed amendment and prioritise filling existing vacancies in the Superior Courts.
They further said that if the government intends to proceed with the amendment, the matter should be referred directly to the people at a referendum.
The BASL said the joint statement demonstrated united opposition to measures that could undermine judicial independence, with the signatories reaffirming their commitment to protecting the rule of law, democracy and the sovereignty of the people. (Newswire)