BASL urges public to reject ‘misleading’ reports on judges’ retirement age position

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) urged the public to rely on its full position regarding the proposed constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges, claiming that some media reports had misrepresented the Association’s stance. In a statement issued on Monday (06), following its public forum held on Saturday (04), the BASL said certain media reports had selectively quoted speakers while omitting the broader context, creating what it described as an inaccurate and misleading impression of both the purpose of the forum and the Association’s position. The BASL said it was particularly concerned that such reports were being circulated on social media, including by individuals holding responsible public office. Reiterating the position first communicated in its May 25 letter to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the BASL maintained that any ad hoc constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of sitting judges of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal is neither necessary nor desirable, warning that it could undermine public confidence in judicial independence, weaken the rule of law and create an undesirable constitutional precedent. The Association stressed that its position is based solely on constitutional principles and is not directed at any individual judge, nor intended to support or oppose any political party or government. It said speakers at the forum unanimously opposed the proposed amendment, arguing that no stakeholder in the administration of justice had requested such a change. Participants also noted that the Government’s election manifesto pledged to introduce a new Constitution and abolish the Executive Presidency, rather than pursue piecemeal constitutional amendments. The forum featured speakers including Commonwealth Lawyers’ Association President Steven Thiru, LAWASIA President Yap Teong Liang, former Human Rights Commission Chairperson Dr. Deepika Udagama, former MP M.A. Sumanthiran, President’s Counsels Srinath Perera, Geoffrey Alagaratnam and Anura Meddegoda, constitutional expert Rohan Edrisinha, Emeritus Professor Savitri Goonesekere and senior journalist K.W. Janaranjana. The BASL said it remains committed to protecting the rule of law, judicial independence and public confidence in the administration of justice. (Newswire)