BASL calls for a committee to review the judicial retirement age proposal before the Government proceeds with a constitutional amendment.
The proposed judicial retirement age extension has prompted the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) to seek a formal review before the Government proceeds.
The BASL wrote to Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara about the planned constitutional amendment. The proposal would extend the retirement age of judges serving in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
In its letter, the association requested an appropriate committee to examine the proposal thoroughly. It also asked the committee to submit a report before authorities take further action.
The Government is reportedly preparing to introduce the amendment. However, the proposed judicial retirement age change has already triggered intense public debate.
The BASL and 65 judges of the Judicial Service Association have expressed opposition to the proposal. The association represents magistrates and district judges.
Against this backdrop, the BASL urged the Justice Minister to begin meaningful consultations with key institutions and stakeholders across the justice sector.
The letter stated:
“We respectfully request that an appropriate committee be appointed to study this proposal thoroughly and submit a report on the subject before taking any further steps.
The committee should consist of representatives from the Ministry, the Judiciary, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka and other stakeholders as may be deemed appropriate.
We further request that you provide an opportunity at your earliest convenience to fully discuss these matters.
We sincerely hope that no further steps will be taken regarding this proposal until meaningful consultations have been held with key stakeholders in the field of justice.”
The BASL therefore wants the Government to pause the judicial retirement age proposal until the committee completes its review and stakeholders can discuss it fully.
