Sri Lanka's Cabinet has approved a contentious proposal to extend the retirement age of judges, drawing criticism from opposition lawmakers and civil society groups who view the move as threatening judicial independence.
The government has advanced a proposal to extend the retirement age of all judges, a decision that has triggered significant political backlash. According to Ada Derana, the Cabinet formally approved the measure, though details regarding the specific new retirement age were not provided in available reports.
Opposition figures have mobilized against the proposal. Sajith Premadasa, representing the opposition, has characterized the move as part of a broader attempt to consolidate single-party rule. A no-confidence motion against the Justice Minister related to this issue was defeated in Parliament, though the motion secured support from a substantial bloc of lawmakers.
Civil society organizations have also voiced concerns. The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has made statements regarding judicial matters, while religious leaders have weighed in on governance issues. The Maha Sangha has called for the protection of the Buddhasasana in the context of broader governance concerns, suggesting anxiety about institutional independence extends beyond legal circles.
The debate reflects broader tensions within Sri Lanka's political landscape regarding executive power and institutional checks and balances. Supporters of the measure have not publicly detailed their rationale, leaving the government's reasoning for the extension unclear from available reporting.
