The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) today issued a statement strongly opposing government efforts to raise the retirement age of judges of the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, warning that such a move would undermine the Constitution and judicial independence.
The party noted that the retirement age of superior court judges is prescribed by the Constitution and can only be changed through a constitutional amendment. It criticized the government for failing to provide any explanation for the proposal, saying the lack of clarity had fueled public suspicion.
The SJB pointed out that the government’s own policy statement pledged to draft a new Constitution and present it to the people for approval by referendum, and accused the ruling coalition of contradicting its earlier positions against constitutional amendments.
According to the statement, extending the retirement age would unfairly delay promotions for eligible judges and violate Article 28 of the Constitution, which requires respect for the rights and freedoms of others. The party argued that the proposal amounted to a direct challenge to the rule of law and judicial independence.
The SJB called on all individuals, organizations, and political parties committed to safeguarding the judiciary to intervene against the move. It endorsed the position taken by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, which has already written to the President on the issue, and urged the government to withdraw the proposal immediately. (Newswire)
