BASL urges government to withdraw proposed 22nd Amendment

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka has urged the Government not to proceed with the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution in its present form, warning that the changes could affect judicial independence and the administration of justice for generations.

The BASL said safeguarding the independence and integrity of the Judiciary was a constitutional responsibility and stressed that these protections should not be weakened for either present or future generations.

The association said an independent and credible Judiciary was essential to maintaining public confidence, the Rule of Law and Sri Lanka’s constitutional system.

Its concerns centre on the Government’s proposal to amend the Constitution to increase the retirement age of judges, including those of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.

The BASL has argued that any constitutional change affecting the Judiciary should be considered with particular care because of its long-term implications for judicial independence.

Meanwhile, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to meet BASL representatives at 1 p.m. on Wednesday to discuss the Government’s proposal.

The meeting is expected to focus on the association’s objections to the proposed amendment and its request for the Government to reconsider the changes before proceeding further.