Colombo High Court Lawyers’ Association warns that the proposed move could undermine judicial independence, stall judicial promotions, and erode public confidence in the judiciary.
The Colombo High Court Lawyers’ Association (CHCLA) has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressing strong opposition to reported government plans to increase the retirement age of judges serving on the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. In a detailed letter dated June 3, 2026, the Association argues that any alteration to the constitutionally prescribed retirement ages of superior court judges would raise serious concerns about judicial independence, disrupt the career progression of judicial officers, and risk damaging public confidence in the administration of justice. The lawyers also urge the government to focus instead on filling existing vacancies in the superior courts and to uphold the constitutional safeguards governing the judiciary.
The full text of the letter follows:
