The JVP-NPP government has responded to UN concerns regarding its 22nd Constitutional Amendment to extend judge retirement ages, but critics argue the justifications mask the government's true intentions to benefit serving judges.

The Sri Lankan government has issued a response to UN Special Rapporteur Margaret Satterthwaite's concerns over proposed constitutional changes that would extend retirement ages for superior court judges. According to The Island, Satterthwaite warned that the amendment could undermine judicial independence, a position endorsed by multiple international legal bodies including the International Association of Judges and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association.

The government has justified the 22nd Amendment by arguing it aims to expedite case disposal and address a significant judicial backlog. However, critics contend that the government's approach reveals shifting priorities. The Island reports that the government initially sought to extend only Supreme Court judge retirement ages, then expanded the scope to include Court of Appeal judges when facing resistance, and ultimately proposed extending retirement ages across all judicial levels. This progression, critics argue, demonstrates an attempt to mask the amendment's original intent.

A key point of contention concerns the application to serving judges. The Island notes that the Supreme Court has previously established constitutional principles requiring a referendum for amendments affecting incumbent Supreme Court or Court of Appeal judge tenure, as such changes could compromise judicial independence. A separate Judicature Bill targeting High Court, District Court, and Magistrate judge retirement ages has proceeded without similar opposition, as these positions lack constitutional protections.

Legal professionals have raised conflict-of-interest concerns, noting that incumbent judges would adjudicate petitions challenging an amendment designed to extend their own tenures. The Island emphasizes that the issue has gained international dimensions, with the petitions challenging the amendment expected to face heightened international attention during proceedings.