Sri Lanka's Cabinet Spokesperson has clarified that extending the retirement age of judges does not require a public referendum, citing constitutional provisions.

Sri Lanka's government does not need to hold a referendum to proceed with extending the retirement age of judges, according to Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing on Wednesday, Minister Jayatissa stated that the Constitution contains no provision mandating a referendum for such a change.

The clarification addresses ongoing questions about the procedural requirements surrounding the government's proposal to modify judicial retirement provisions. Minister Jayatissa emphasised that constitutional interpretation supports moving forward with the initiative without seeking public approval through a referendum.

The government's position suggests it believes it has sufficient constitutional authority to implement the retirement age extension through existing legislative mechanisms, potentially through parliamentary procedures rather than direct public consultation.