The retirement age of judges of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court should not be changed arbitrarily, says President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, attorney-at-law Rajeev Amarasuriya.
He pointed out that it is the Bar Association’s position that such a change is neither necessary nor appropriate at this time.
Reports have emerged that the government is considering introducing a constitutional amendment to increase the retirement age of Court of Appeal and Supreme Court judges, which currently stands at 63 and 65 years, respectively. Speaking at a public forum held today (04) on the matter, the President of the Bar Association reiterated the association’s position.
A few days ago, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka also sent a letter signed by its President, attorney-at-law Rajeev Amarasuriya, to the President regarding this issue.
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka also organised a special public forum in Colombo on the government’s reported move to increase the retirement age of Court of Appeal and Supreme Court judges.
The event was attended by members of the Bar Association as well as a number of politicians, including Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.
Further addressing the gathering, President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka Attorney-at-Law Rajeev Amarasuriya said:
“The Bar Association of Sri Lanka has consistently maintained that the retirement age of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges should not be changed arbitrarily. We also believe that making such a change at this point is unnecessary and inappropriate. Such a move would undermine public confidence in Sri Lanka’s legal system and raise serious concerns about the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, maintaining public order, and safeguarding the independence of the judiciary.”
