President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to meet representatives of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) at 1 p.m. today to discuss the Government’s proposal to increase the mandatory retirement age of judges.
The meeting comes amid strong opposition from the BASL to the proposed constitutional amendments concerning the retirement age of members of the higher judiciary.
Under the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Draft Bill, published in the Government Gazette on August 7, the mandatory retirement age of Supreme Court judges would be increased from 65 to 67 years. The retirement age of Court of Appeal judges would also be raised from 63 to 65 years.
The proposed amendment further provides that the Chief Justice would retire upon reaching the age of 67 or completing six years in office, whichever occurs first.
The BASL has unanimously rejected the Government’s proposal, with BASL President and attorney Rajeev Amarasuriya stating that the legal profession is firmly opposed to the move.
The proposed changes have generated concern within the legal community, with the BASL expected to present its position directly to the President during today’s meeting.
The discussions are expected to focus on the implications of extending judicial tenure and the broader constitutional and institutional concerns surrounding the proposed amendment.
