Sri Lanka Considers Extending Judges' Retirement Age Amidst Democratic Concerns

The Sri Lankan government is reportedly considering extending the retirement age for judges. Former Minister Professor G.L. Peiris stated the plan involves a two-year increase for Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges, potentially raising their retirement from 65 to 67 and 63 to 65 respectively. A report from The Sunday Times suggests the proposal may be expanded to include all judicial officers, from High Court down to Magistrate level. Peiris criticized the move as undemocratic and detrimental to judicial independence, while Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa also voiced concerns about the erosion of democratic rights.