Asia Pacific Law Association Raises Concerns Over Proposal to Extend Judges' Retirement Age
01-Jul-2026.
The Asia Pacific Law Association has expressed serious concern over the Sri Lankan government's proposed constitutional amendment to increase the retirement age of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges.
In an official statement, the Association said that introducing such a major constitutional change without proper planning or consultation could undermine public confidence in the judiciary and threaten its independence.
The Association said it fully agrees with the concerns already raised by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka. It also referred to a letter sent by the Bar Association to the President on May 25, warning that changing the retirement age of serving judges under the current circumstances could be viewed as an attempt to interfere with the independence of the judiciary.
The Association stressed that an independent and impartial judiciary is essential for the proper functioning of a democratic system and must remain free from political influence or improper interference.
It also supported the concerns expressed by the Commonwealth Lawyers Association. The statement noted that the retirement age of senior judges is currently provided under Article 107(5) of the Constitution, and that any amendment should not proceed without proper consultation with the public and other stakeholders.
The Association further pointed to the 1997 Beijing Statement of Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary, signed by 32 Chief Justices from the Asia-Pacific region, as an important international standard governing judicial independence.
It urged the Sri Lankan government to:
Withdraw the proposed constitutional amendment to increase judges' retirement age.
Avoid temporary constitutional amendments made without proper justification.
Ensure meaningful consultation with stakeholders before constitutional reforms.
Refrain from actions that could weaken public confidence in the judiciary.
Uphold the rule of law and judicial independence.
