BASL: Prelates tell President judicial retirement age amendment unnecessary

The Chief Prelates of the three Nikayas have informed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in writing that a constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of judges is unnecessary at this time, Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) President Rajeev Amarasuriya said yesterday.

Amarasuriya made the remarks after a BASL delegation paid courtesy calls on the Chief Prelates of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters on Monday.

Addressing the media, he said the BASL viewed the proposed constitutional amendment to increase the retirement age of judges as being contrary to democratic principles, stressing that constitutional amendments should be introduced for the benefit of the country rather than to serve specific individuals.

He said the Chief Prelates of the Malwatte, Asgiriya, Amarapura and Ramanna Nikayas had informed the BASL that they had written to the President stating that such an amendment was unnecessary.

"The Mahasangha has, since ancient times, guided rulers through both temporal and spiritual counsel. If the Government proceeds while disregarding that guidance, it would leave a dark stain on the country," Amarasuriya said.

He also claimed that religious leaders of other faiths and several international bar associations had expressed concern over the proposed extension of judges' retirement age, questioning the urgency behind the move.

Amarasuriya noted that since the present Government assumed office, six Supreme Court judges, including two Chief Justices, had retired without any discussion on extending the retirement age.

He further claimed that all 60 serving judges, the BASL and several other stakeholders were opposed to the proposal.

Pointing out that many qualified lawyers were awaiting appointment to the judiciary, Amarasuriya said any shortage of judges could be addressed through fresh recruitment rather than extending the tenure of serving judges.

Deputy Registrar of the Malwatte Chapter Ven. Mahawela Rathanapala Thero, BASL Vice President Harsha Kularatne, Kandy Bar Association President Sunil Weerakoon and several others were also present.