Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has requested a clarification from the Government regarding the proposal to raise the retirement age of judges in the higher courts, including the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, warning that the issue carries national importance and directly affects judicial independence and public trust.

Speaking in Parliament today (11) under Standing Order 27(2), Premadasa said the Government must present any official requirement assessments, policy reports or data‑based studies that justify such a move. 

He questioned how the Government intends to rationalize the need for extending retirement ages further, given that the 20th Constitutional Amendment has already increased the number of judges in the higher courts.

Premadasa noted that the Bar Association of Sri Lanka has already raised concerns, stressing that extending service periods without a proper plan could undermine the dignity of judges and erode public confidence in judicial independence. 

He urged the Ministry of Justice to present its official stance and clarify whether formal consultations had been held with the Judicial Service Commission and other professional stakeholders.

Highlighting that four Supreme Court and four Court of Appeal judge posts remain vacant, Premadasa asked why the Government prioritizes raising retirement ages instead of filling vacancies, especially at a time when case delays, backlogs and shortages have created serious crises in the judicial system.

He warned that such a proposal could set a dangerous precedent, allowing future governments to alter the judiciary’s structure to suit political needs. He called on the Government to present concrete measures to dispel public distrust and safeguard judicial independence.

Premadasa further pointed out that many qualified judges have already retired due to prolonged vacancies, despite their distinguished service. 

He stressed that good governance requires protecting judicial independence and that the Government must explain why it has failed to act on filling vacancies. (Newswire)

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