The Asia and Pacific Law Association has expressed concern over the proposed constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of judges of the High Court and Court of Appeal in Sri Lanka. It has warned that the sudden move could undermine the independence of the judiciary and public confidence in it. Letter to the President The Sri Lanka Bar Association has supported a letter written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, stating that in the current circumstances, extending the retirement age of judges could be seen as political interference in the judiciary. However, the Lavasia Association noted that such temporary amendments should not be made without proper public consultation, as the retirement age of judges is already fixed under Article 107(5) of the Constitution. Lavasia also referred to the ‘Beijing Principles Statement’ which emphasizes judicial independence and security of tenure. Furthermore, Lavasia has urged the Sri Lankan government to immediately abandon this amendment, avoid piecemeal changes, and uphold the rule of law through proper consultations with relevant stakeholders, also raising the concerns of the Commonwealth Bar Association.
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