Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka has expressed support for the government's plan to extend the retirement age for judges, while simultaneously calling for similar provisions to be applied to military personnel.

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka publicly backed the government's initiative to raise the retirement age for members of the judiciary during remarks made at a public gathering. According to Fonseka, such measures would align Sri Lanka with practices observed in developed nations, where extending working years does not necessarily compromise professional capability.

Fonseka used his statement to highlight what he views as an inequity in Sri Lanka's retirement framework. Military personnel face mandatory retirement between ages 50 and 55, he noted, often at a stage when they continue to carry significant family and financial responsibilities. By contrast, civil service employees remain employed until age 60. Fonseka suggested that extending military retirement ages would provide similar benefits to armed forces personnel that the judicial extension would offer the judiciary.

To illustrate his point on cognitive capability in later years, Fonseka referenced international examples, noting that the United States maintains judges serving into their seventies and employs military commanders of comparable ages. He further underscored his position with a personal anecdote, stating that two decades after his own retirement, his mental faculties remain sound. While he hypothetically suggested he could still command the armed forces, he clarified he would not accept such a role.

The comments come as the government moves forward with judicial reforms, though the specific details and timeline for the retirement age extension have not been detailed in available reports.