Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister of Health and Mass Media, Nalin Jayatissa, stated yesterday (09) that the government has not held any discussions regarding the extension of the retirement age of judges.
Responding to a question raised at the weekly Cabinet media briefing, the Minister said that although proposals have been submitted by various parties to increase the retirement age, no decision has been taken in relation to the judicial sector.
“There has been no discussion within the government regarding the extension of the retirement age of judges,” he said.
Minister Jayatissa noted that requests to increase the retirement age have emerged from several professional sectors due to changing demographic and economic conditions.
“One reason is that the life expectancy of our people has increased. In addition, many professionals left the country during the economic crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic. Taking these factors into consideration, along with the experience possessed by such professionals, proposals have been made by various sectors to explore the possibility of allowing them to continue serving in the public sector,” he stated.
The Minister also recalled that the government had previously approved an extension of the retirement age for specialists, medical officers, and dentists from 60 to 63 years.
“We previously decided to extend the retirement age of specialists, doctors, and dentists in the health sector from 60 to 63 years. Similar requests have also been made by other professional groups,” he said.
However, Minister Jayatissa emphasized that no proposal has been approved and no decision has been taken by the government regarding the retirement age of judges.
“Especially with regard to judges, no such decision has been taken,” he added.
