The Bar Association of Sri Lanka has challenged the government's plan to extend judicial retirement ages, calling for a referendum and highlighting eight unfilled vacancies in superior courts as a constitutional violation.

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has raised significant objections to the government's proposal to extend the retirement age of judges across all courts, arguing that any such constitutional amendment should be subject to public referendum approval. BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya stated that the government proceeded with the measure without transparent consultation or stakeholder engagement, despite earlier denials of awareness regarding the proposal.

Amarasuriya emphasised that the Cabinet's approval of the extension, granted at a meeting chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on 27 January, represents a troubling departure from proper procedure. He questioned the sudden urgency of the proposal, noting that no indication of such consideration existed weeks prior to the Cabinet decision.

The BASL has also accused the government of constitutional violations related to judicial appointments. With eight vacancies currently existing in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, Amarasuriya stressed that filling these positions is the President's constitutional obligation. He argued that addressing these existing vacancies should take precedence over extending retirement ages, particularly given the delays spanning several months without action.

According to Amarasuriya, if the government believes legitimate grounds exist for amending judicial retirement provisions, the matter warrants open public discussion followed by a referendum. The association's position reflects concerns about the transparency and democratic legitimacy of the government's approach to judicial reform.