Minister of Justice, Harshana Nanayakkara says the 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill, which seeks to extend the retirement age of judges in Sri Lanka, will be presented to Parliament on Tuesday, August 18.
Speaking to local media today, the Justice Minister said that on the same day the Judicial Organizations Amendment Bill will also be tabled in Parliament.
The government’s decision to extend the retirement age of judges has faced strong opposition from the Chief Prelates, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), opposition political parties, and several international organizations.
Despite this, the government published the 22nd Amendment Bill in the Gazette on August 7.
Under the proposed 22nd Amendment, the mandatory retirement age of Supreme Court judges will be increased from 65 to 67, while the retirement age of Court of Appeal judges will be increased from 63 to 65.
Meanwhile, during a recent meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the BASL President and members reiterated their position that the amendment should be carried out.
Under the Constitution, once a Bill is presented to Parliament, there is a 14‑day period during which it may be challenged before the Supreme Court.
The Court is then required to deliver its determination to Parliament within 3 to 21 days after examining any petition. (Newswire)