Sri Lanka's Bar Association has warned it will exhaust all legal avenues to oppose the Government's proposal to extend judges' retirement age, citing concerns about judicial independence and public confidence in the judiciary.

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has committed to pursuing every available legal measure to resist the Government's plan to increase the retirement age of judges, describing the proposal as detrimental to the country's democratic institutions. BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya made the statement following a meeting between a 24-member delegation and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat, where the legal body formally presented its objections and alternative recommendations regarding the judicial reform initiative.

Amarasuriya expressed fundamental disagreement with the proposal's underlying rationale, arguing that extending judicial tenure would undermine public trust in the judiciary and raise significant questions about the independence of the courts. The BASL contends that the measure represents an obstacle to Sri Lanka's democratic progress and future development as a nation. The Association maintains its position despite the Government's assertion that the proposal forms part of a comprehensive effort to strengthen the justice sector and enhance judicial efficiency.

Looking forward, Amarasuriya indicated that the BASL's resistance would intensify if the Government proceeds despite the legal community's objections. He stated that if the administration moves forward contrary to the principles outlined by the Association, the BASL would escalate its opposition and pursue appropriate legal remedies within the scope of its institutional mandate. The Association's leadership has signaled that stronger action could materialize in the coming weeks should the Government disregard the concerns raised by legal professionals.