A delegation of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara and the President’s Legal Adviser J.M. Wijebandara to discuss the proposed constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of judges.
According to the BASL, the delegation explained its opposition to the proposed amendment, citing concerns over the independence of the judiciary and arguing that the measure should not be treated as a priority for improving the justice system.
The BASL said it emphasised that extending the tenure of judges could have a serious impact on judicial independence and urged the government not to proceed with the proposed amendment at this stage.
The delegation also pointed to several other matters requiring urgent government attention and said those issues should be given priority.
Senior BASL member Savithri Goonasekera explained the organisation’s concerns regarding judicial independence, referring to the separation of powers and the importance of maintaining public confidence in the judiciary.
She also distinguished between extending the tenure of public-sector employees and extending the tenure of judges, who form one of the pillars of democracy.
President Dissanayake, in response, explained the government’s position on the proposed amendment, according to the BASL.
The BASL delegation, led by BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya, proposed that the government initiate a meaningful consultation process involving relevant stakeholders, including members of the legal profession, judges and academics, before deciding on further action.
The delegation also suggested that the proposal could be referred to a Parliamentary Select Committee for consideration as part of such a consultative process.
The 20-member BASL delegation included its President Rajeev Amarasuriya, Deputy President Rienzie Arsecularatne, PC, Secretary Nalin De Silva, Treasurer Pasindu Silva, former presidents Geoffrey Alagaratnam, PC, Upul Jayasuriya, PC, and U.R. De Silva, PC, as well as senior members and zonal representatives. (Newswire)