A coalition of 40 professional organisations and trade unions has joined the Bar Association of Sri Lanka in opposing the proposed 22nd Amendment, arguing that extending judges' retirement age could compromise judicial independence and violate constitutional protections.
Representatives from 40 professional bodies and trade unions gathered at the Bar Association of Sri Lanka on Monday to formally oppose the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution. The coalition, which includes the Federation of University Teachers' Associations, Government Medical Officers' Association, Railway Station Masters' Union, and numerous other public-sector and professional organisations, adopted a joint statement supporting the Bar Association's position on the contentious amendment.
The organisations argue that extending the retirement age of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges could directly threaten judicial independence and consequently undermine the rule of law and democratic governance. The statement references a 2022 Supreme Court special determination on the Inland Revenue Amendment Bill, in which the court ruled that constitutional changes affecting judges' retirement age or tenure would violate Article 3 of the Constitution and require public approval through referendum.
The coalition's position has drawn support from religious institutions, judicial bodies, and international legal organisations, including the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, LAWASIA, and the International Association of Judges. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers and the French National Bar Council have also expressed concerns, according to the statement.
The 40 organisations have unanimously called on the government to immediately withdraw the proposed amendment and instead focus on filling existing vacancies in the Superior Courts. Should the government proceed despite these objections, the coalition has demanded that the matter be referred directly to the people for determination at a referendum.