The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has provided further details on its opposition to the proposed constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of judges of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.

In a statement to the media, the BASL said, on July 29, its general membership unanimously passed a four‑page resolution, which urged the President, Government, and Members of Parliament “to uphold the Constitution, respect the institutional independence of the Judiciary, preserve public confidence in the administration of justice, and refrain from proceeding with constitutional amendments affecting the tenure of serving judges unless such proposals are demonstrably necessary, transparently developed, widely consulted upon, and fully consistent with Sri Lanka’s constitutional traditions and international obligations relating to judicial independence.”

Later that evening, a BASL delegation led by President Rajeev Amarasuriya, Deputy President Rienzie Arsakularatne PC, Secretary Nalin De Silva, Treasurer Pasindu Silva, and several former Presidents met with Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara. This was the first opportunity for the Association to present its views directly to the Government, the BASL said. 

At the meeting, the BASL presented the resolution, outlined its considered position, and submitted its initial report, supported by the Justice Sector of Sri Lanka Assessment and Strategic Action Plan: Commercial, Contract and Investment Law Enforcement – 2023, prepared at the request of the Ministry of Justice.

The BASL statement said that Minister Nanayakkara undertook to arrange a meeting between the BASL and the President, enabling the Association to directly present its submissions, position, and findings. (Newswire)

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