Bar Association has no principled objection to 22nd Amendment: Justice Minister

16-Aug-2026

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The Bar Association of Sri Lanka has no principled objection to the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution and has only called for comprehensive discussions, Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara said.

He said the Opposition had created a misleading narrative regarding the proposal to increase the retirement age of judges.

The Minister made these remarks in response to a question regarding the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution.

He said the discussion between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and representatives of the Bar Association had resulted in progress towards reaching positive decisions and had also helped correct several misconceptions.

“The Bar Association has not taken a principled position against the proposal to extend the retirement age of judges. It has only called for comprehensive discussions. The President expressed a favourable position regarding this request,” he said.

The Minister said the President had clearly explained to representatives of the Bar Association that the objective of extending the retirement age of judges was not a matter intended to serve the public interest in the manner alleged.

“They too have understood the facts of the matter,” he said.

He further alleged that the Opposition had created a misleading position regarding the proposal to increase the retirement age of judges.

“That is why they are making several false allegations,” he said.