The Joint Opposition will mount a legal challenge next week against the government's proposed constitutional amendment to extend judicial retirement ages, arguing it will not address case backlogs.
The Joint Opposition has announced plans to challenge the government's proposed constitutional amendment regarding judges' retirement ages through court proceedings beginning next week. Former Minister Professor G. L. Peiris, speaking after a meeting with the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick, stated that the opposition will present arguments to the Supreme Court demonstrating that the amendment provides no meaningful solution to case backlogs or delays in judicial administration.
During discussions with the British High Commissioner, Joint Opposition representatives highlighted concerns about the government's proposal and underscored the historical relationship between Sri Lanka's judiciary and the Commonwealth. Professor Peiris characterized the current situation as extraordinary, emphasizing the significance of judicial independence within the international context.
The opposition's legal argument centers on the limited scope of cases handled by the country's highest courts. According to Professor Peiris, only approximately one percent of total cases reach the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, suggesting that extending retirement ages would not materially improve case processing times or reduce the overall backlog.
Professor Peiris also criticized the timing of planned discussions between the Bar Association of Sri Lanka and the President, stating there was minimal value in such meetings at this stage given that the government had already proceeded with the amendment proposal.
