Justice Minister to brief President after BASL opposes judges’ retirement-age proposal

Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara has agreed to brief President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on the Bar Association of Sri Lanka’s opposition to the proposed extension of judges’ retirement ages.

BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya and other representatives met Nanayakkara on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the proposed constitutional amendment covering judges of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and other courts.

Amarasuriya said the meeting lasted nearly an hour and that the BASL urged the Government not to proceed with the amendment at this stage.

The association also stressed the need to inform the President of its concerns.

Nanayakkara told the delegation that he would brief the President on the BASL’s requests and communicate the Government’s decision, Amarasuriya said.

Earlier on Wednesday, BASL members unanimously opposed the proposal at a special general meeting, describing it as a threat to judicial independence.

Amarasuriya said between 3,000 and 4,000 lawyers participated in person and online, and all those who voted opposed the measure.

The Cabinet approved the proposal on July 27 despite objections from the BASL, the Judicial Service Association, several President’s Counsel and political parties.

Amarasuriya described the proposal as unethical and warned that it could have long-term consequences for judicial independence. He said the Government should hold a referendum if it intended to proceed.