BASL Urges President Against Raising Judges' Retirement Age Amid Independence Concerns

Justice Minister Harsahna Nanayakkara stated in Parliament that the government's attention is drawn to proposals from various professionals regarding increasing judges' retirement age, and that views from organizations like the Bar Association of Sri Lanka and the Colombo Lawyers' Association are being considered positively. This indicates deliberation is underway, contrary to a previous report. Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa questioned the government in Parliament, demanding official requirement assessments, policy reports, or data-based studies to justify the proposed increase, warning of its impact on judicial independence and public trust.

Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa has stated that the government has not yet made a decision regarding the extension of retirement age for judges and that no internal discussions have taken place on the matter. He confirmed that while proposals have been received from various professional bodies, the government has not yet deliberated on the proposal. The Free Lawyers' Organisation also questioned the rationale behind the proposal, stating it is not a democratic practice and urging its rejection without discussion.

The Colombo High Court Lawyers’ Association and the Free Lawyers’ Organisation have now raised concerns regarding the government's proposal to extend the retirement age for Court of Appeal and Supreme Court judges. Both groups warned that the move would undermine constitutional guarantees, stall judicial careers, and erode public trust in the judiciary's independence. The Colombo High Court Lawyers’ Association specifically noted the Constitution's fixed retirement ages (63 for Appeal Court, 65 for Supreme Court) as a deliberate design. The Free Lawyers’ Organisation questioned the proposal's rationale and urged the government to reject it without discussion, emphasizing that any such change would necessitate a constitutional amendment.