Commonwealth Lawyers’ Association backs BASL, opposes judicial retirement age amendment

Colombo, June 12 (Daily Mirror) - The Commonwealth Lawyers' Association (CLA) has extended its full support to the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) over its opposition to a proposed Constitutional amendment aimed at increasing the retirement age of apex court judges, urging the Sri Lankan authorities not to proceed with the proposed changes.

In a statement dated June 11, 2026, the CLA endorsed the position communicated by the BASL to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, warning that any Constitutional reform affecting the judiciary must be undertaken through proper consultation and stakeholder engagement.

The CLA observed that any action which diminishes public confidence in the judiciary is contrary to the rule of law and should be avoided. It stressed that maintaining public trust in judicial institutions is essential to safeguarding democratic governance and the administration of justice.

The CLA called upon the Sri Lankan authorities to adhere to due process in Constitutional reform and ensure meaningful consultation with relevant stakeholders before introducing any amendments affecting the judiciary.

The CLA further urged the authorities to refrain from taking steps that could undermine confidence in the judiciary and irreparably weaken judicial independence.

Expressing its support for the local legal profession’s stance, the CLA stated that it fully endorses the reasoned and principled position adopted by the BASL in its letter dated May 25, 2026, addressed to the President.

The BASL had earlier urged the President not to proceed with any Constitutional amendment seeking to increase the retirement age of judges of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, citing concerns over the potential impact on judicial independence and public confidence in the administration of justice.