Raising the issue in Parliament today (11) under Standing Order 27(2), Premadasa urged the Government to table any official assessments, policy documents, or data-driven studies that justify extending the retirement age of judges in the higher judiciary.
He questioned the rationale behind the proposal, noting that the 20th Constitutional Amendment had already expanded the number of judges in higher courts, and asked why further structural changes were being considered at this stage.
The Opposition Leader also pointed out that the Bar Association of Sri Lanka has expressed concern over the proposal, warning that extending judicial service terms without a comprehensive framework could undermine the dignity of the judiciary and weaken public trust in its independence.
Premadasa urged the Ministry of Justice to clarify its official position and confirm whether consultations had been held with the Judicial Service Commission and relevant professional bodies before advancing the proposal.
He further highlighted that vacancies remain unfilled, with four posts each in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal currently vacant, questioning why priority is being given to extending retirement ages instead of addressing judicial shortages.
According to him, delays in filling vacancies have contributed to case backlogs and inefficiencies within the judicial system, creating a growing administrative crisis.
Premadasa warned that implementing such a measure without broader consensus could set a precedent allowing future political interference in the structure of the judiciary. He urged the Government to outline clear steps to restore public confidence and safeguard judicial independence.
He also noted that several experienced judges have already retired amid prolonged delays in appointments, despite their service records and expertise.
Stressing the principles of good governance, Premadasa said the Government must explain its failure to fill existing vacancies and ensure that any reforms to the judiciary are carried out transparently and responsibly.
