The French National Bar Council has adopted a resolution supporting Sri Lanka's Bar Association in opposing the government's plan to raise the retirement age of judges, citing concerns about judicial independence.
An international legal organization has added its voice to growing criticism of Sri Lanka's proposed changes to judicial retirement ages. The French National Bar Council passed a resolution at its annual meeting in Paris on July 3, 2026, backing the position taken by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka regarding the government's constitutional amendment proposal.
The French council expressed concern that raising the retirement age of serving judges could be perceived as an attempt to compromise judicial independence. According to the resolution, such a move would undermine public confidence in the impartiality of the courts. The international organization emphasized that an independent and impartial judiciary remains fundamental to maintaining the rule of law in any democracy.
The resolution received support from other international legal bodies, with the Commonwealth Lawyers' Association also voicing similar concerns about the proposal. The French National Bar Council urged Sri Lankan authorities to abandon the proposed constitutional amendments and instead engage in broader consultation with relevant stakeholders before pursuing any judicial reforms.
The council called on both Sri Lankan and French authorities, along with the international community, to prioritize the protection of judicial independence and uphold democratic principles in any constitutional reform processes. The organization stressed that proper consultation and adherence to due process should precede any significant changes to the judiciary.
